Donald T. Phillips's "Lincoln on Leadership" and presidential management

Running Head: LINCOLN ON LEADERSHIP BOOK 1

1. Introduction: Introduce the book, providing an overview of the main characters, what are their roles? What is the story about? What is the rationale for writing/publishing the book? Overview, Rationale, main Character and role played Overview Donald T. Phillips’s ‘Lincoln on Leadership’ represents the earliest attempt at examining Abraham Lincoln\\\'s varied leadership capabilities and their applicability in the current complex environment (Phillips, 1992). The book explores, in depth, the leadership strategies Lincoln employed to enjoy success prior to as well as in the course of the Civil War in America (Blinkist, 2018). Phillips has gone beyond the myths surrounding the eminent leader, illustrating particular aspects of his skills as a leader and comparing them to effective approaches contemporary leaders adopt (Blinkist, 2018). Main character: Author, Phillips, and Abraham Lincoln. Role Played: The chief character of the story is Lincoln, whose leadership capability has been studied by the author, Phillips. Phillips has straightforwardly, yet eloquently, expressed key leadership themes within the book. Story line Though his work is informally done, Phillips has clearly performed adequate research and presented his work efficiently. His anecdotal approach would definitely have impressed Lincoln himself (Myers, n.d.). As observed by the author, Lincoln’s first month as President was full of challenges which would cause even highly experienced organizational heads to tremble. The author notes that just ten days prior to Lincoln’s assuming office, the American Confederate States split from the Union and took every Federal fort, arsenal and agency with them (Phillips, 2009). Though he won via a minority popular vote, was hated by a large number of his personal advisers, lacked managerial, political and financial expertise, and lacked military training, he successfully saved the nation (Myers, n.d.). How did he do so? By delving into Lincoln’s social skills and management techniques, the author notes several valuable lessons for contemporary corporate managers, such as getting out of one’s office from time to time and mingling with subordinates, using influence, not coercion, leading through being led, searching continuously until one finds one’s grant, etc. Especially interesting is the ex-President’s extensive, challenging search for the ideal general. The author does not simply lecture readers in his book but cites Lincoln’s own words including jokes, anecdotes, letters, and speeches (Myers, n.d.). Rationale The book represents the earliest attempt at examining Abraham Lincoln\\\'s varied leadership capabilities and their applicability in the current complex environment. The goal is to help leaders learn lessons like sharing subordinates’ hardships (the example cited in this instance is Lincoln enduring the rain when reviewing the Union army and stating \\\"If they can stand it, I guess I can, too\\\"). The author himself appears to have cultivated Lincoln’s eloquent simplicity. The chapter pertaining to Lincoln’s relationship building skills, (with emphasis on mutual trust), culminates with the advice that individuals not suspected of being disloyal oppose oath-taking as a requirement of exercising ordinary citizenship rights. In short, the book intends to kindle leadership credentials among managers and individuals aiming to be leaders. 2. Briefly discuss the 4 strategies of People, Character, Endeavor, and Communication as it relates to leadership. The following approaches are discussed in the book: People 1. Leaving one’s office from time to time and mingling with subordinates: Lincoln claimed it was imperative that citizens understood that he came among them with no fear (16) 2. Developing robust relationships: This involves listening, focusing, and establishing trust. Lincoln aptly conveyed this idea thus “A house divided against itself cannot stand” (36) 3. Use of influence, not coercion: Leaders must achieve corporate goals by collaborating with subordinates “It is an old and true maxim, that a drop of honey catches more flies than a gallon of gall. So with men. If you would win a man to your cause, first convince him that you are his sincere friend.” (39) (Defoe, 2012) Character 4. Integrity and honesty constitute the best policies: Lincoln believed in standing with the one who is right and deserting him if he ceases to be right (54) (Defoe, 2012) 5. Refraining from acting out of spite or vengeance – Subordinates respond more positively to empathetic and kind leaders as compared to nasty ones or those displaying animosity; “With malice toward none; with charity for all . . . “ (62) (Defoe, 2012) 6. Brave unjust criticism: Lincoln believed that any individual who is somewhat misrepresented will be angered; however, palpable and gross misrepresentation will likely prove amusing (72) (Defoe, 2012) 7. Mastering paradox: This makes a leader charismatic. Lincoln was definitely highly skilled in this area. Consider, for instance, his words: “My policy is to have no policy” (78) Endeavour 8. Exercising decisiveness: Lincoln was known for not leaving any stone unturned (88). 9. Leading through being led – Lincoln made extremely crucial decisions in office, though he made it seem like he was only following his subordinates’ lead. He gave complete credit to General Grant and the army for his plans and their skilful execution (106); (Defoe, 2012) 10. Establishing targets and being results-oriented – According to Lincoln, leaders should be aggressive persons who take charge always (109) (Defoe, 2012). Here, the author has cited the example of the bull terrier (112) (Defoe, 2012). 11. Keeping up with one’s search until one finds one’s Grant – Lincoln effectively tackled the issue of an inadequately- equipped and –trained army after assuming office. 12. Encouraging innovation – Lincoln created an environment which promoted innovation and ensured he was always in the company of individuals who had something to teach him (140) (Defoe, 2012). Communication 13. Mastering public speaking skills: Lincoln was definitely an accomplished orator; his physical appearance, voice, and body language were an added asset (Defoe, 2012). 14. Influencing individuals via storytelling and conversation 15. Preaching a vision that is constantly reaffirmed Select one of the 3 case studies (see attached resources) and reflect on opportunities to resolve the issue based upon the leadership principles identified in the reading by answering the following: Case 2: Bullying A. Identify the appropriate case or clinical issue. The clinical issue is: Tom hasn’t developed confidence when it comes to dealing with patients and Mary hasn’t been supportive enough. B. Select one of the Lincoln on Leadership\\\'s principles. Discuss how the use of this leadership strategy would address the issue. (This discussion will require highlighting key concepts of the leadership theme and applying them to the case study or clinical issue.) The leadership principle is: Influencing individuals via storytelling and conversation. Lincoln’s oratory, storytelling and writing skills are undoubtedly remarkable. He could persuade anybody, win their loyalty, and stimulate them into action (Defoe, 2012). By merely conversing with Tom on the subject of ability and confidence, Mary could motivate him to administer sedation independently. 3. Discuss the lessons that Lincoln offers to those who are or who want to be leaders of others; provide one example from the reading. 1. Exercising Decisiveness: Lincoln ensured he never left any unturned (88); “because of his extraordinary decisiveness, he was able to make policy, produce change, and win the war” (97) (Defoe, 2012); 1. Leading through being led – Lincoln made extremely crucial decisions in office, though he made it seem like he was only following his subordinates’ lead. He guided subordinates through suggestions, hints and implying. His key objective was allowing them to claim, “We accomplished these ourselves.”(106) (Defoe, 2012). 1. Establishing goals and being result-focused 1. Keeping up with one’s search until one finds one’s Grant:  “Let the thing be pressed” (135) (Defoe, 2012) 1. Encouraging innovation – Lincoln created an environment which promoted innovation and ensured he was always in the company of individuals who had something to teach him. 4. Provide a short reflective paragraph on how the book impacted the reader. What is the \\\"take away\\\" message from this book? The take-away message here is the practical lessons that would help one become an effective leader. Readers will be able to comprehend a leader’s true character, learn principles to be adopted for ensuring effectiveness, and become capable of governing even when faced with adversity. 5. Provide one example of how the lessons identified in this book will be applied in the clinical practice of a nurse. Include a discussion on the impact of a preferred leadership style for a nurse. Communication: A nurse’s practice necessitates sincere care, including the expression of concern and empathy. Appropriate communication has curative ability. Nurse-patient interactions ought to incorporate self-reflection, considerable emotional control, and interest in the patient’s views. This will result in the patient being satisfied with the therapeutic experience and facilitate swift healing.