As Election Day 2024 approaches, it’s a fitting moment to reflect on the leadership qualities of the president who has ranked #1 for the last twenty years in C-Span’s Presidential Historians Survey, President Abraham Lincoln. In countless books, speeches, and lectures, "Lincoln and leadership" has become a cultural staple, yet the essence of what truly made him a great—perhaps even an adaptive—leader remains powerful and relevant today.
According to historian Doris Kearns Goodwin, author of Team of Rivals and Leadership In Turbulent Times, one of Lincoln’s greatest achievements was appointing a Cabinet composed not only of the best and brightest but also of political rivals. Author of Good To Great and Great By Choice, Jim Collins emphasizes Lincoln’s ability to get the “right people on the bus” by assembling a unique team of the greatest minds of his time to steer the country. Goodwin identified several qualities that made Lincoln an exemplary, adaptive leader—qualities we can all draw inspiration from as we work toward our own aspirations for the country.
Lincoln's Adaptive Leadership Qualities
Capacity to Listen to Different Points of View: Lincoln fostered an environment in which his Cabinet members felt safe to engage in lively debate and respectfully disagree. He valued diverse perspectives and knew how to end a conversation decisively, drawing from the opinions shared to make well-rounded decisions.
Ability to Learn on the Job: Lincoln recognized his mistakes, learned from them, and kept moving forward. He encouraged a culture where growth and learning were central, even at the highest levels.
Willingness to Share Credit for Success: As Goodwin highlighted, Lincoln believed that “the path to success and ambition is broad enough for two.” He readily shared success with others, ensuring that those who contributed felt valued and recognized.
Willingness to Share Blame for Failure: Lincoln took accountability seriously, embracing both the triumphs and failures as part of a collective journey. He acknowledged his own role in failures, standing with his Cabinet as a united front.
Awareness of His Own Weaknesses: Lincoln was conscious of his tendency to be overly forgiving, but he mitigated this by setting clear expectations and deadlines. This self-awareness allowed him to lead more effectively.
Ability to Control Emotions: Known for his composed demeanor, Lincoln treated his colleagues with respect and refrained from acting out in anger. Instead, he would remove himself from tense situations to return with a level-headed perspective.
Knowing How to Relax and Replenish: With a keen sense of humor, Lincoln knew the importance of lightheartedness amid serious duties. His humor helped him connect with people, break the ice, and even dodge tough questions.
Hands-On Leadership: Lincoln led with an active presence, even risking his life by going to the front lines. He embodied the value of visible leadership, rallying troops, and personally testing equipment—a rarity for his time.
Adherence to Fundamental Goals: Lincoln’s unwavering belief in abolishing slavery was a cornerstone of his leadership. He refused to compromise on this value, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to justice.
Clear Communication of Goals and Vision: Lincoln’s communication style was simple yet powerful. He spoke in a way that resonated with the people, addressing their concerns with clarity and empathy.
At the heart of Lincoln’s adaptive leadership was a profound sense of strategic resilience. Amid the relentless challenges of the Civil War, he maintained his resolve to keep the Union intact.
In How the Best Did It, Talmage Boston highlights Lincoln's approach to leadership as both pragmatic and principled. Lincoln’s success wasn’t due to sheer force of will alone but to his ability to balance conviction with flexibility—a quality essential to any leader facing unprecedented challenges. Boston emphasizes that Lincoln’s wisdom lay in his commitment to the long game. Lincoln knew that simply winning battles wasn’t enough; to reunite a fractured nation, he needed to align his decisions with deeply held principles that could inspire enduring change.
Boston points out that Lincoln’s key to navigating such turbulent times was his ability to blend “firm resolve with openness to differing perspectives.” Lincoln’s leadership evolved as he listened, observed, and refined his approach. His steadfastness to end slavery wasn’t impulsive; it was a well-considered part of his larger vision for America’s future. Boston reminds us that Lincoln’s capacity to adjust and learn—from his generals, from Congress, and from the public—enabled him to achieve outcomes many thought impossible.
Boston’s analysis also underscores Lincoln’s resilience, which went beyond the physical and emotional tolls of the Civil War. His resilience was strategic. As Boston explains, “Lincoln maintained a focus on unity, even when his decisions brought immense political backlash.” He understood that by staying aligned with the principles of freedom and equality, he was not only leading a country but also laying the foundation for a legacy that would outlast his presidency.
As we approach Election Day, can we summon the courage and conviction of Lincoln? No matter who wins, how might we embody Lincoln's resilience and wisdom post-election to shape a brighter future for our nation? Here are a few ways Lincoln’s example can guide us forward:
Disruptions Provide an Opportunity to Rethink the Future: Lincoln recognized that disruptions often create space to reimagine what lies ahead. During his presidency, he faced pressing issues like intensifying nationalism and a nation on the brink of division. Rather than retreat, he set a bold vision—to preserve the Union through even the darkest hours. How can we use current disruptions as an opportunity to envision and shape a stronger, more resilient future?
Developing Scenarios, Not Just Forecasts: Collins describes Lincoln after the Battle of Antietam, confronting unimaginable loss. He understood that moving forward meant more lives would be sacrificed, yet allowing the South to secede would mean abandoning his vision for the Union. Instead of relying on rigid forecasts, Lincoln considered various scenarios, testing his plans against a range of possible futures, and strengthening his resolve to ensure the survival of the nation. In our own lives, how can we prepare for multiple outcomes and stay open to change rather than fixating on a single prediction or solution?
Creating a Portfolio of Big Moves: Even at the height of the war, Lincoln still did some innovative, remarkable things, most notably with the Thirteenth Amendment. Convinced that equal rights were essential to America’s identity, Lincoln acted boldly while balancing his choices with keen political acumen, knowing when to push forward and when to pause. Regardless of the election outcome, what are some big goals you’re planning for you and your family next year? How can we continue to pursue them with both courage and conviction?
Embracing an Adaptive, Dynamic, “Entrepreneurial” Strategy: The Civil War’s unrelenting upheavals required Lincoln to adapt constantly. With no formal military experience, he became a self-taught strategist, adjusting his tactics in real-time and proving more agile than many of his generals. His adaptive approach demonstrated the power of flexibility and a willingness to learn. How can we cultivate an “entrepreneurial mindset” in our own lives, staying open to learning and adjusting course as new challenges arise? As Winston Churchill once wrote, We are still masters of our fate. We are still captains of our souls.”
May we all draw inspiration from Lincoln—his humility, kindness, wit, resilience, courage, and unwavering convictions. Election season often brings a wave of emotions and anxieties; may we face these moments with the adaptability and bravery (and perhaps a pinch of humility) of our 16th president, stepping forward boldly and united, no matter the outcome.