Lincoln on Leadership: 3 Timeless Lessons for Today’s Leaders
- Cynthiana Chamber
- May 20
- 3 min read

“The dogmas of the quiet past are inadequate to the stormy present.”—Abraham Lincoln
When Abraham Lincoln took the oath of office in March 1861, the country was coming apart at the seams. Eleven states had already seceded. He was called naïve by his critics, doubted by his cabinet, and mocked by the press. Within weeks, the Civil War would begin.
And yet—he led.
He led not through charisma or ego, but through principle, perseverance, and humility. That’s what made him great. And that’s why, in seasons of uncertainty, I often turn to the leadership of Lincoln—not for perfection, but for perspective.
One of my favorite leadership books—and I mean all-time favorites—is Lincoln on Leadership by Donald T. Phillips. I read it at least five times during my decade as Mayor, and I often give it as a gift to friends or fellow leaders I believe will appreciate it.
It’s a simple, powerful book full of practical wisdom drawn straight from the life of a man who led during our nation’s darkest days.
Today, I want to share three of the lessons from that book that continue to inspire me—and may help you lead your business, your team, or your community through whatever challenges come your way.
1. “Get Out of the Office and Circulate Among the Troops”
Lincoln didn’t lead from behind a desk. He made a point to be visible, approachable, and present—whether it was walking the streets of Washington or visiting the battlefields to talk with Union soldiers directly.
“I must run the machine as I find it.”
He listened to people. He showed up. And even when he didn’t have the answers, his presence gave people hope.
As leaders, we can’t afford to disappear.Whether you’re running a business, managing a team, or guiding a community—people need to see you. Hear from you. Know that you're in it with them.
Some of the best insights I ever got as Mayor came not from meetings, but from front-porch conversations, casual lunches, and walking Main Street. People open up when you’re real with them—and Lincoln knew that long before it became a leadership cliché.
2. “Persuade Rather Than Coerce”
Lincoln didn’t rule with a heavy hand. He built coalitions. He reasoned with opponents. He gave people room to save face while changing their minds.
“If you would win a man to your cause, first convince him that you are his sincere friend.”
Let’s be honest—strongarming might get compliance, but it rarely earns trust. And in tough times, trust is everything.
As a leader, your ability to influence matters more than your ability to command. That’s true in business. It’s true in government. And it’s true in life.
People are more likely to follow when they feel heard, respected, and understood. That’s leadership by persuasion—and Lincoln mastered it.
3. “Lead with Compassion, Not Ego”
Perhaps the most remarkable thing about Lincoln was his deep humanity. Even with unimaginable pressure on his shoulders, he never stopped seeing people.
“With malice toward none; with charity for all…”
He bore criticism with grace. He made space for forgiveness. He put people—real people—at the center of his decisions.
That’s rare. Especially in leadership.
But here’s what I’ve learned: if you lead with compassion, you build loyalty. If you lead with ego, you build resistance.
The legacy of your leadership won’t be measured in trophies or titles—it will be measured in the people who were better because you led them.
Final Thought: The Leader We Still Need
Lincoln wasn’t flashy. He wasn’t polished. And he didn’t have it all figured out.But he showed up. He listened. He kept the country together—not by force, but by conviction.
And that gives me hope.
Because the world doesn’t need perfect leaders—it needs steady ones. Servant-hearted ones. Leaders who keep walking forward, even when things feel like they’re falling apart.
If Lincoln could lead through a civil war, we can lead through supply chains, staffing shortages, and uncertainty.
And maybe, like him, we can leave something behind that still stands long after we’re gone.
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