Observing Lincoln in Conflict by Cynthia

Observing Lincoln in Conflict by Cynthia - October 2017 Scholarship Essay

Abraham Lincoln, a man who stood between a divided nation and fought to keep the union together while upholding the truth of the equality of men is a story many Americans know. However, a book I just read recently, Donald T. Phillips’ Lincoln on Leadership, provides a glimpse at Lincoln’s leadership style that I would love to observe in person. Lincoln used informal conversations to build relationships and often went to the homes of the people who worked for him rather than ordering those officials to come to him. So, a dinner would be the perfect place to watch him encourage others to think about their purpose, to hear how he might offer firm yet conciliatory advice, and observe how he might demonstrate compassion without appearing weak.
Of course, I am not likely to dine with Lincoln in this world, so I will work to seek out others who are alive now and put myself in their presence to learn from them. I will seek out men and women in my community, at work, and those who demonstrate their leadership to the country through their writing, their acts of philanthropy and their success, when their success has been gained through strength, kindness and humility.