Abraham Lincoln a Great Leader

TEN Qualities that Made  Lincoln a Great Leader

President Abraham Lincoln appointed the best and brightest to his Cabinet, individuals who were also some of his greatest political rivals. He demonstrated his leadership by pulling this group together into a unique team that represented the greatest minds of his time, according to historian Doris Kearns Goodwin.

Kearns Goodwin, a keynote speaker at SHRM’s 2008 Annual Conference in Chicago, identified 10 qualities that made Lincoln a great leader.

1. Capacity to Listen to Different Points of View

2. Ability to Learn on the Job

3. Ready Willingness to Share Credit for Success

4. Ready Willingness to Share Blame for Failure

5. Awareness of Own Weaknesses

6. Ability to Control Emotions

7. Know How to Relax and Replenish

8. Go Out into the Field and Manage Directly

9. Strength to Adhere to Fundamental Goals

10. Ability to Communicate Goals and Vision