Lincoln on Leadership: Executive Strategies for Tough Times

The author mentions several instances in which Lincoln encountered major setbacks during the Civil War. Describe at least three of these instances and explain their purpose within the larger theme of the book. Why is it important for readers to learn about Lincoln’s failures and setbacks in a book about successful leadership?

The author is invested in showing the usefulness of Lincoln’s leadership strategies on a practical level. What are three techniques Lincoln employed that have a practical application today? Have you observed similar techniques being used by someone in your own life? Have you yourself ever employed similar techniques? Were they effective or not, and why?

What are two examples of Lincoln experiencing a direct personal conflict with a colleague (this can be someone from the military, the government, or someone he knew in his early career)? How were these conflicts resolved? Did he use the same approach in each instance, or not? Why are these examples important in the context of modern business leadership?

The text provides direct quotations from Abraham Lincoln in almost every chapter and sometimes excerpts from his letters. Choose an example where Lincoln used figurative language (metaphors, analogies, fables) to make a point. First, explain what the passage means and what type of figurative language Lincoln is using. Next, explain why the passage is significant for understanding Lincoln’s leadership or communication style.

Choose one person from the text that was antagonistic toward Lincoln or who doubted Lincoln’s abilities. Who was this person and what was his or her role in Lincoln’s life? How did Lincoln respond to the challenges posed by this individual, and does his response display effective leadership qualities? Why or why not? Explain with references from the text.

Lincoln used letter-writing as both a personal stress reliever and a technique for conflict resolution. Choose an example for each type of letter-writing that Lincoln employed and describe the outcome in each instance. Would this type of solution work today, or is it too old-fashioned? Why does the author bring up Lincoln’s use of letter-writing as a leadership technique so many times, and do you agree that it can be an effective technique for leaders today? Why or why not?

What was unique about the relationship between Lincoln and General Ulysses S. Grant? What were Grant’s flaws and what were his strengths? What is the purpose of chronicling Lincoln’s gradual promotion of Grant throughout the Civil War in so much detail? Explain with references from the text.

Provide at least three examples from the text where Lincoln displayed compassion or empathy toward others. At least one example must be from his early career, before he was president. Describe the circumstances and the outcome in each instance. Why is it important to notice Lincoln’s consistently compassionate nature in the context of leadership studies?