Source: Doris Kearns Goodwin. Leadership -
Lessons From the Presidents For Turbulent Times (2018)
Lessons From the Presidents For Turbulent Times (2018)
On 9 March 1832 at the age of 23, Lincoln announced that he was running for a seat in the Illinois state legislature. There was no political machinery for being nominated, so Lincoln, like everyone else with political ambition, had to in essence publicly nominate himself via a handbill which formally outlined the candidate’s political stands.. Lincoln’s ambition wasn’t only for himself, but also to be in a position to advance and protect the public welfare. Lincoln also wanted to accomplish things that would place him in history, even if it was local, but he hoped for a larger legacy.
As a young boy, Lincoln realized that he was gifted with an intelligent, inquisitive, and clear mind. Even though Lincoln wasn’t able to regularly attend school, he processed/understood information better than his classmates. Lincoln began to dream that someday he would be able to use his intellectual abilities to become someone of importance. Even as a young boy, others were impressed by Lincoln’s prodigious memory, which led him to retain and recall a mountain of information and facts. However, it was not a quick process in terms of absorbing information for LIncoln, who often told people that he was a slow learner, but once he learned something, it stuck.
While Lincoln didn’t possess a quick mind, he had exceptional powers for reasoning and comprehension, as well as never-ending curiosity and a fierce desire to truly understand what he had heard, read, or seen. Lincoln knew that the key to being successful was to develop every positive trait he had to its fullest as soon as possible. Classmates would gravitate around Lincoln, and as a result he became a de facto leader.
As a young boy, Lincoln realized that he was gifted with an intelligent, inquisitive, and clear mind. Even though Lincoln wasn’t able to regularly attend school, he processed/understood information better than his classmates. Lincoln began to dream that someday he would be able to use his intellectual abilities to become someone of importance. Even as a young boy, others were impressed by Lincoln’s prodigious memory, which led him to retain and recall a mountain of information and facts. However, it was not a quick process in terms of absorbing information for LIncoln, who often told people that he was a slow learner, but once he learned something, it stuck.
While Lincoln didn’t possess a quick mind, he had exceptional powers for reasoning and comprehension, as well as never-ending curiosity and a fierce desire to truly understand what he had heard, read, or seen. Lincoln knew that the key to being successful was to develop every positive trait he had to its fullest as soon as possible. Classmates would gravitate around Lincoln, and as a result he became a de facto leader.
Lincoln had a preference (and a knack) for telling stories to get points across to others, even as a kid. Lincoln understood that concrete examples and stories were the best way to teach others. Lincoln developed his talent for storytelling in part from watching his father do so with friends and strangers alike, with a young Lincoln spellbound in the corner. Lincoln soon thrived speaking to others, often on a tree stump, and he deeply appreciated the attention of his audience. Lincoln developed great oratory skills in the process, and had many stories on deck waiting to be used.
By the time Lincoln became a young teen, he would walk many miles to the county courthouse to soak up the narratives of what was going on inside. One result of seeing courtroom sessions was that Lincoln stood firm when facing disapproval from any audience when he was certain he was right. Lincoln had a strong sense of empathy, being able to see the perspectives of other and to imagine their feelings and situations. When young Lincoln could find books, he preferred to read aloud in the presence of others, knowing that when he read and heard the words, he remembered information better.
It wasn’t until Lincoln reached the age of 21 that he was free from his father, a legal adult no longer in effect indentured. His father never saw the value in any of Lincoln’s intellectual pursuits, seeing those activities as nothing more than laziness. Lincoln traveled west 100 miles toNew Salem, where he had been promised a job as a clerk and bookkeeper at a general store. Within eight months, the impressed residents of New Salem encouraged Lincoln to run for a seat in the state legislature.
By the time Lincoln became a young teen, he would walk many miles to the county courthouse to soak up the narratives of what was going on inside. One result of seeing courtroom sessions was that Lincoln stood firm when facing disapproval from any audience when he was certain he was right. Lincoln had a strong sense of empathy, being able to see the perspectives of other and to imagine their feelings and situations. When young Lincoln could find books, he preferred to read aloud in the presence of others, knowing that when he read and heard the words, he remembered information better.
It wasn’t until Lincoln reached the age of 21 that he was free from his father, a legal adult no longer in effect indentured. His father never saw the value in any of Lincoln’s intellectual pursuits, seeing those activities as nothing more than laziness. Lincoln traveled west 100 miles to
The vast majority of people that met and interacted with the young adult Lincoln came away impressed in every front that mattered. Working in a general store gave Lincoln the perfect platform to launch a political career, given that the store was the nexus of the universe for the town and the surrounding area. It was also beyond helpful to Lincoln that New Salem had a gristmill, which brought in many people from outside the town to the general store. The store became a sort of intellectual/community center, with Lincoln holding court every day. Lincoln’s eagerness to learn and listen also impressed people, and they were even more impressed when politics were the main topic.
It was during this time that Lincoln worked hard to develop a concise and compact way of speaking that could be understood by all. in order to do so, Lincoln learned the complicated rules of grammar; the handbill that Lincoln published to announce his candidacy for the state legislature had around 2000 words. Lincoln ran as a Whig in a district that was traditionally Democratic. Lincoln stood for four central ideas: the creation of a National Bank, protective tariffs, federal government support for transportation improvements linking the West to the East, and expanded public education . . . even though a state legislator couldn’t do much on those fronts.
Lincoln did tell the residents of New Salem that although the Sangamon River was their lifeblood, roads were necessary for the town to truly thrive.. Lincoln made it clear that if he was wrong on what he believed, he would adjust, and that he would learn from his mistakes. It would be the foundation of Lincoln’s political approach and success, admitting errors and learning from mistakes. In effect, Lincoln created a covenant with the voters, in that he would work as hard as possible on their behalf if they in return supported him; Lincoln’s ambitions were always linked to the people.
It was during this time that Lincoln worked hard to develop a concise and compact way of speaking that could be understood by all. in order to do so, Lincoln learned the complicated rules of grammar; the handbill that Lincoln published to announce his candidacy for the state legislature had around 2000 words. Lincoln ran as a Whig in a district that was traditionally Democratic. Lincoln stood for four central ideas: the creation of a National Bank, protective tariffs, federal government support for transportation improvements linking the West to the East, and expanded public education . . . even though a state legislator couldn’t do much on those fronts.
Lincoln did tell the residents of New Salem that although the Sangamon River was their lifeblood, roads were necessary for the town to truly thrive.. Lincoln made it clear that if he was wrong on what he believed, he would adjust, and that he would learn from his mistakes. It would be the foundation of Lincoln’s political approach and success, admitting errors and learning from mistakes. In effect, Lincoln created a covenant with the voters, in that he would work as hard as possible on their behalf if they in return supported him; Lincoln’s ambitions were always linked to the people.
Lincoln had barely started his campaign when he volunteered to join the state militia in what became known as the Black Hawk War. To his surprise, Lincoln was elected captain of his company; only being elected President was a greater satisfaction in his life. On his return, Lincoln only had four weeks in which to campaign, and he hit the hustings hard, but lost the election. What buoyed his spirits was that in New Salem, he had garnered 277 of 300 votes.
Lincoln served as New Salem’s postmaster, and then learned enough to be appointed the county surveyor, which allowed him to regularly travel the entire county and become known to far more voters. Lincoln’s reputation as a storyteller preceded him, and everywhere he was scheduled to appear, a crowd was already waiting. Lincoln again ran in 1834, and this time he was easily elected to the Illinois state legislature. Unlike The rookie state senator Lincoln, unlike Theodore Roosevelt, was quiet and remained in the background in order to learn as much as he could, especially about the rules and procedures of the chamber, but also to learn about the interplay between Whigs and Democrats.
Lincoln knew he was among actual and potential political ringers that would move on to larger stages, but Lincoln wasn’t intimidated. LIncoln was focused on learning as much as possible in order to be prepared when he no longer chose to remain silent on the sidelines. Lincoln had a great sense of timing, which was a political skill that again and again would benefit him as a politician.
Lincoln served as New Salem’s postmaster, and then learned enough to be appointed the county surveyor, which allowed him to regularly travel the entire county and become known to far more voters. Lincoln’s reputation as a storyteller preceded him, and everywhere he was scheduled to appear, a crowd was already waiting. Lincoln again ran in 1834, and this time he was easily elected to the Illinois state legislature. Unlike The rookie state senator Lincoln, unlike Theodore Roosevelt, was quiet and remained in the background in order to learn as much as he could, especially about the rules and procedures of the chamber, but also to learn about the interplay between Whigs and Democrats.
Lincoln knew he was among actual and potential political ringers that would move on to larger stages, but Lincoln wasn’t intimidated. LIncoln was focused on learning as much as possible in order to be prepared when he no longer chose to remain silent on the sidelines. Lincoln had a great sense of timing, which was a political skill that again and again would benefit him as a politician.
Lincoln began to read up on the law, knowing that by increasing his knowledge in that field could only help him in the political arena. When the state legislature’s second session started, Lincoln was no longer on the sidelines, and he was suddenly very conspicuous. Soon, colleagues approached Lincoln for his skill in drafting bills and amendments, and Lincoln’s reputation for speaking and storytelling soon went statewide. Lincoln was heralded by his fellow legislators for his contributions in moving the state capital to Springfield, and despite being the second youngest in the legislature, Lincoln was selected as the Whig minority leader, mostly due to his ability to make correct political diagnoses to the benefit of the party . . . Lincoln ran point, and his fellow Whigs gladly followed.
When Democrats went after Lincoln, who was as thin-skinned as any other politician, Lincoln chose to use good-humored responses and retorts that left even the Democrats laughing, such was his ability to relax political tensions. However, sometimes Lincoln used his humor in vindictive and cruel ways, resorting to mimicry, another gift/skill he possessed. As time went on, Lincoln proved to be able to resist that urge to counterpunch in that manner. Even at this early state in his political career, Lincoln’s moral courage and convictions far outweighed his fierce ambition. Lincoln was among the very few that voted against a resolution that frowned upon the formation of Abolitionist groups in Illinois. At the same time, Lincoln believed that there was no Constitutional authority to abolish slavery where it already existed. In the 1830s it was a bold thing, even in Illinois, to be a stout anti-slavery man, but Lincoln would not budge from his stance.
When Democrats went after Lincoln, who was as thin-skinned as any other politician, Lincoln chose to use good-humored responses and retorts that left even the Democrats laughing, such was his ability to relax political tensions. However, sometimes Lincoln used his humor in vindictive and cruel ways, resorting to mimicry, another gift/skill he possessed. As time went on, Lincoln proved to be able to resist that urge to counterpunch in that manner. Even at this early state in his political career, Lincoln’s moral courage and convictions far outweighed his fierce ambition. Lincoln was among the very few that voted against a resolution that frowned upon the formation of Abolitionist groups in Illinois. At the same time, Lincoln believed that there was no Constitutional authority to abolish slavery where it already existed. In the 1830s it was a bold thing, even in Illinois, to be a stout anti-slavery man, but Lincoln would not budge from his stance.
Lincoln was far more concerned and interested in finding ways to improve transportation in the state, and finding federal government assistance in doing so. Lincoln wanted to be the DeWitt Clinton of Illinois (the “Erie Canal Guy”), bringing infrastructure improvements that would lead to more wealth and a greater standard of living. However, support of those infrastructure bills evaporated due to the Panic of 1837 and the subsequent depression. As state debts reached unprecedented levels, Lincoln continued to promote his vision of transportation improvements, refusing to budge from his stance.
At the age of 29, two months after the murder of Elijah P. Lovejoy in Alton (in 1837, Alton, not Chicago, was the major commercial city in the state), Lincoln warned that violence and mob rule was a threat to the rule of law. Lincoln had already developed his conception of leadership that centered on a shared understanding of the needs of liberty, equality, and opportunity. In just a few years, Lincoln had risen from a store clerk in New Salem to a respected leader in the Illinois state legislature. Lincoln had become a central figure in the effort to improve infrastructure as well as moving the state capital to Springfield . . . it appeared to Lincoln that he was well on his way to moving onwards-and-upwards in terms of achieving his political ambitions.
At the age of 29, two months after the murder of Elijah P. Lovejoy in Alton (in 1837, Alton, not Chicago, was the major commercial city in the state), Lincoln warned that violence and mob rule was a threat to the rule of law. Lincoln had already developed his conception of leadership that centered on a shared understanding of the needs of liberty, equality, and opportunity. In just a few years, Lincoln had risen from a store clerk in New Salem to a respected leader in the Illinois state legislature. Lincoln had become a central figure in the effort to improve infrastructure as well as moving the state capital to Springfield . . . it appeared to Lincoln that he was well on his way to moving onwards-and-upwards in terms of achieving his political ambitions.