This book is a must read for anyone having a position that includes leadership responsibilities. Regardless how long you've been in that position this book is absolutely indispensable! You will have tips and insights for improving your leadership skills right from the start. This is the best investment I've made in improving my leadership skills by far.

Donald T. Phillips did a terrific job with this book and provided valuable insight into the excellent executive leadership of President Lincoln. Virtually every American learns about Abraham Lincoln throughout his/her childhood, but specific situations and conversations are rarely provided as examples. Fortunately, Phillips provides these examples and proves that Lincoln was definitely one of the best presidents in United States history.
As a student in college who is majoring in communications, I believe that the book is also very applicable to situations in people's lives today. Although most people do not become president, they do encounter various situations in which they are asked to lead other people or follow the direction of another person. After reading this book, a person can easily understand the traits and qualities necessary for quality leadership and can therefore implement them into everyday situations in the real world. In addition to this possibility, people may also be able to evaluate the prospective leadership qualities of a superior authority and determine the legitimacy of their direction.
I especially enjoyed the chapter regarding President Lincoln's integrity that never allowed him to act out of spite or vengeance. Many people in charge of companies, organizations, or any other types of groups are often vindictive or downright nasty. Consequently, the followers in these groups do not respond positively and commonly perform at a lower level. Lincoln understood this reality completely and made sure to treat virtually all people sincerely and respectfully. Moreover, Lincoln also comprehended that partaking in spiteful encounters with people only hindered achievement of positive goals. As Phillips stated at the outset of the chapter, "Lincoln understood that to actively engage in slander and malicious dealings would simply eat up far too much of his time, which he used in securing positive end results than negative ones." Similar insights are present throughout this chapter, and readers should definitely take this useful information and apply it to their lives.
An additional chapter that proved to be very helpful in improving my leadership abilities was the ninth chapter, entitled "Lead by Being Led." Too many authority figures in the world today believe that they are all-knowing and more intelligent than everyone else, no matter what the particular issue proves to be. President Lincoln, however, recognized that many of his cabinet members and employees were very intelligent people who often knew more about particular issues than he did. In fact, Phillips described several situations in which Lincoln trusted in some of his employees so much so that he signed various documents without ever reading them because he trusted their judgment so much. By shedding light on this common leadership flaw, Phillips made me realize that President Bush should read this book and learn to trust the judgment of others, rather than to dismiss advice that he does not agree with.
Ultimately, Lincoln on Leadership was a very educational and entertaining read. Phillips' specific details and examples proved Abraham Lincoln's exceptional leadership qualities. My expectations heading into the book were not very high because I do not even enjoy historical books, but this work turned out to be a very pleasant surprise. I will definitely take several pages out of Lincoln's proverbial leadership book in future situations and my life, and I'm positive that it will be to my benefit.

This book has everything a leader needs to know and use. It is that foundation every leader should have and constantly strive for.

I selected "Lincoln on Leadership" as a biography to use in a graduate educational administration course and I couldn't have chosen a better book. The organization of the book highlighted leadership qualities that Lincoln exemplified and each chapter had a succinct summary of those leadership skills. Lincoln's leadership is applicable to all types of leadership including education.

Donald T. Phillips used our sixteenth president's wisdom under fire to provide an excellent primer for leadership focused on tough times, but it is as important during good times. When sales are at record levels, employees are happily working long hours, and new prospects are pounding on the doors because of customers' recommendations, is when one needs to be preparing for potential tough times.



Few will go through the meat-grinder which faced President Lincoln, but able leadership during good times will give an organization a firm footing for the mishaps and misfortunes which will affect us all at some point. Focusing on the 'Endeavor' section of the book, Phillips illustrates examples of Lincoln's will, ability, and lack of hesitation in making tough, necessary decisions. Losing a war, being sniped at by those who should be supporters, and struggling with difficult family matters can be paralyzing, but ignoring a personnel issue so as to not rock the boat during a smooth voyage can also be destructive. Phillips points out how "Lincoln often accepted the aggravation and exasperation caused by subordinates if they did their jobs competently", but he also shows how Lincoln could be decisive and tough when his hand was forced. This includes disciplining and firing upper level staff such as cabinet secretaries and commanding generals.



Any review of Lincoln's life would be incomplete without mentioning his use of humor and a unique storytelling ability to make his point. Phillips recounts Lincoln's reason for doing so, which includes these lines: "I often avoid a long and useless discussion by others or a laborious explanation on my own part by a short story that illustrates my point of view." "No, I am not simply a story-teller, but story-telling as an emollient saves me much friction and distress." Oh, if only more of our business and government leaders would use short stories, saving us all some "friction and distress".



The chapter titled "Persuade Rather Than Coerce" explains that Lincoln was smart enough to know that he couldn't do it all by himself, but needed capable leaders who were authorized to make decisions and act on them. His largest problem with military leadership was a gauntlet of generals who were not willing to assume that responsibility. Understanding that influence is a more effective tool of leadership than coercion or orders, he "...preferred to let his generals make their own decisions and hoped that, through his suggestions, they would do the right thing."



That chapter begins with a quote from the first Lincoln Douglas debate: With public sentiment, nothing can fail; without it, nothing can succeed. Consequently he who molds public sentiment goes deeper than he who enacts statutes or pronounces decisions. Looking back at the presidents of my lifetime, it is easy to see which have taken this advice to heart, and have shown success because of it. Likewise, those who have ignored it, and a recent president comes to mind, have had their leadership suffer.



Paraphrasing John C. Maxwell, there is no such thing as `leadership during tough times'; there is only `leadership'. Those fond of history and anyone interested in leadership should read this book.

Donald T. Phillips used our sixteenth president's wisdom under fire to provide an excellent primer for leadership focused on tough times, but it is as important during good times. When sales are at record levels, employees are happily working long hours, and new prospects are pounding on the doors because of customers' recommendations, is when one needs to be preparing for potential tough times.

Few will go through the meat-grinder which faced President Lincoln, but able leadership during good times will give an organization a firm footing for the mishaps and misfortunes which will affect us all at some point. Focusing on the 'Endeavor' section of the book, Phillips illustrates examples of Lincoln's will, ability, and lack of hesitation in making tough, necessary decisions. Losing a war, being sniped at by those who should be supporters, and struggling with difficult family matters can be paralyzing, but ignoring a personnel issue so as to not rock the boat during a smooth voyage can also be destructive. Phillips points out how "Lincoln often accepted the aggravation and exasperation caused by subordinates if they did their jobs competently", but he also shows how Lincoln could be decisive and tough when his hand was forced. This includes disciplining and firing upper level staff such as cabinet secretaries and commanding generals.

Any review of Lincoln's life would be incomplete without mentioning his use of humor and a unique storytelling ability to make his point. Phillips recounts Lincoln's reason for doing so, which includes these lines: "I often avoid a long and useless discussion by others or a laborious explanation on my own part by a short story that illustrates my point of view." "No, I am not simply a story-teller, but story-telling as an emollient saves me much friction and distress." Oh, if only more of our business and government leaders would use short stories, saving us all some "friction and distress".

The chapter titled "Persuade Rather Than Coerce" explains that Lincoln was smart enough to know that he couldn't do it all by himself, but needed capable leaders who were authorized to make decisions and act on them. His largest problem with military leadership was a gauntlet of generals who were not willing to assume that responsibility. Understanding that influence is a more effective tool of leadership than coercion or orders, he "...preferred to let his generals make their own decisions and hoped that, through his suggestions, they would do the right thing."

That chapter begins with a quote from the first Lincoln Douglas debate: With public sentiment, nothing can fail; without it, nothing can succeed. Consequently he who molds public sentiment goes deeper than he who enacts statutes or pronounces decisions. Looking back at the presidents of my lifetime, it is easy to see which have taken this advice to heart, and have shown success because of it. Likewise, those who have ignored it, and a recent president comes to mind, have had their leadership suffer.

Paraphrasing John C. Maxwell, there is no such thing as `leadership during tough times'; there is only `leadership'. Those fond of history and anyone interested in leadership should read this book.

This book is one of the best management/leadership books I have ever read. It was giving to me by one of my business school professors who I respect and admire greatly. The book will not disappoint you if you decide to buy it. Worth the time and money!

This book is well written and will appeal to a very wide range of readers, including but not limited to Lincoln scholars and those interested in leadership. Readers who are interested in history, business, politics and those who just like well-written prose should enjoy this book. As the title states, this book is about Lincoln's leadership style. He is portrayed as a paradigm of an effective leader. The book covers topics such as: his interactions with people, his character, his decisiveness, and his immense skills as a communicator. Each chapter covers a different facet of leadership and how Lincoln typified this feature. At the end of each chapter there is brief discussion of how this applies to current day business and politics. There is also a brief summary list of Lincoln's principles discussed in that chapter. The book itself is brief and you can learn a lot from the way that Lincoln interacted with and led people during the most trying time in America's history.

While the focus of the book is on Lincoln's leadership, I learned quite a bit about the man and the challenges that he faced and how he shaped the subsequent government of the US. This was done in a very interesting manner, which was devoid of the dense details of a history book. I got more from this brief book than from some much more detailed books on the Civil War. The book is replete with Lincoln anecdotes, jokes and parables, all of which enrich the text and get the points across in much the same way Lincoln initially used them to get his points across. The best accolade that I can give this book as that it is making me read more about Lincoln and about leadership.

This is a great book for individuals entering the business world to read how leadership and ethics can and should lead to excellent decision-making skills.

The book is well written and will appeal to a very wide range of readers, including but not limited to Lincoln scholars and those interested in leadership. Readers who are interested in history, business, politics and those who just like well-written prose should enjoy this book. As the title states, this book is about Lincoln's leadership style. He is portrayed as a paradigm of an effective leader. The book covers topics such as: his interactions with people, his character, his decisiveness, and his immense skills as a communicator. Each chapter covers a different facet of leadership and how Lincoln typified this feature. At the end of each chapter there is brief discussion of how this applies to current day business and politics. There is also a brief summary list of Lincoln's principles discussed in that chapter. The book itself is brief and you can learn a lot from the way that Lincoln interacted with and led people during the most trying time in America's history.

While the focus of the book is on Lincoln's leadership, I learned quite a bit about the man and the challenges that he faced and how he shaped the subsequent government of the US. This was done in a very interesting manner, which was devoid of the dense details of a history book. I got more from this brief book than from some much more detailed books on the Civil War. The book is replete with Lincoln anecdotes, jokes and parables, all of which enrich the text and get the points across in much the same way Lincoln initially used them to get his points across. The best accolade that I can give this book as that it is making me read more about Lincoln and about leadership.

Lincoln on Leadership by Donald T. Phillips was an easy to read book. Teaching basics of leadership through 4 parts of the book; People, Character, Endeavor, and Communications. Then each part is broken into chapters with a trait of the 4 previous mentioned parts like: Get out of the office and circulate among the troops, build strong alliances, Honesty and Integrity are the best policy, lead by being led and master the art of public speaking to name some. All of these lessons are taught with President Lincoln as the vehicle and shows how he applied the lessons during the Civil War as President. Each chapter is summed up with a nice list of key points. A well organized book, with a message for everyone. Abraham Lincoln is an icon of American history and a great teacher and example of leadership to people today. All the lessons can be applied at work, home, family, or in our personal life. This is a great book for new leaders and even the experienced can use it as a reminder and reference. It will always have a place on my bookshelf. I encourage everyone to read it.

This is an excellent book. Not only are the lessons outlined clearly and supported by solid examples. You learn much about what Lincoln had to deal with in his life and the multitude of challenges he faced once in the office of President of the United States.

The book is a quick read with chunks that can easily be digested. Mr. Phillips provides a nice format for both learning and understanding. This is a must read if you want to learn valuable lessons and tactics for leading or if you are just a fan of this great President.

Yes, that's appropriate. Abraham Lincoln's presidency could have so easily been consumed by the darkness in which it took shape, but Lincoln's wisdom, charm, intelligence, luck and great good heart saved it and the country, too.

The brilliance of Donald T. Phillips is to consider our sixteenth president through the mostly successful application of his interpersonal skills. So many key people close to Lincoln were not really friendly to him or his vision, but somehow he managed to get them to work together and achieve unlikely, better than hoped for results. His great gift (and the great gift of any successful leader)? Lincoln was a superb listener. He also had the ability to wait people out, outlast them when he had to, disarm them with honesty, and separate himself from the conflicting chatter all around him. Surely he possessed an extraordinary inner calm. Phillips is absolutely right to cast Lincoln as a powerful mentor for aspiring executives and administrators in any field.

Those having trouble with their bosses might consider making this a gift next Christmas. I once worked for a high school principal, Mark Greif, who had the worst people skills I'd ever encountered. He bullied, manipulated, and harrassed members of his staff and the student body, too. But a devoted couple of months in these pages would rehabilitate even him. If it can work there, it can work anywhere. This book should also be required reading for any politician and business student. But, of course, these lessons are life lessons, too. We can all be better listeners, co-workers, mates and friends. Lincoln in this book teaches us skills that improve our performance, our balance. To be Lincolnesque is to be more graceful, compassionate and just. A fabulous book!

--Robert McDowell, author of the forthcoming Poetry and Spiritual Practice

This is an excellent book. Not only are the lessons outlined clearly and supported by solid examples. You learn much about what Lincoln had to deal with in his life and the multitude of challenges he faced once in the office of President of the United States.

The book is a quick read with chunks that can easily be digested. Mr. Phillips provides a nice format for both learning and understanding. This is a must read if you want to learn valuable lessons and tactics for leading or if you are just a fan of this great President.

Alright...Abraham Lincoln was a wonderful man, but far from flawless. Unfortunately the author of this text seems to be so awestruck and starstruck with old Honest Abe that he sees every action, every movement, every flicker of Abe's eyelashes as all part of some divinely inspired, ultra-coordinated plan to inspire a nation and lead. Again, Lincoln is a hero and a great man, but he is a man, he had problems and he did make mistakes. This book just ignores all that and sees Lincoln only through very rose colored glasses.

This book is a very organized and concise tool for improving leadership methodology. By studying the example of one of our greatest presidents, Abraham Lincoln, we can learn many valuable lessons that are applicable to today's world.

I found the book to be very interesting, particularly the author's descriptions of how Lincoln worked with his subordinates (and treated people generally) and how he was absolutely "bashed" by the pundits of his day.

This is a great book for those interested in business and history. Abe Lincoln was one of our greatest presidents, and he was a great leader. He had one goal in mind and that was a reunited United States. He kept that in mind when he selected cabinet members, generals, and his decisions. He managed by walking around, keeping talented people employed in his administration, and focusing on the goal. Unfortunately he died after he attained the goal.

This is a nice book about leadership style. It is not just applicable to the historian but also business people. Many people can learn from our 16th President. Simple strategies for great success.

This is an interesting look at one great statesman in Lincoln and a very compelling idea in leadership. It doesn't provide the reader with insight into the reason for good leadership or theoretical aspects of the subjects, but rather gives shallow suggestions for leadership techniques. It is thus repetitive and not very penetrating. It is a well-written survey though and worth taking a look.

This book was an excellent book. It opened my eyes to the "personal" Lincoln as opposed to the purely historic figure. The author devotes each chapter to a specific strategy of leadership. Donald Phillips writes about the use of these strategies using actual examples of how Lincoln handled his responsibility during tumultuous times. The ideas and methods are clearly explained and the results that Lincoln obtained were inspiring. While this book seems aimed at executive leadership, I do not believe that this can only be applied in the business world. Leadership is critical in families, school, volunteer groups as well as in the professional world. Lincoln On Leadership is a true source of inspiration and education for anyone in any leadership position from parenting to CEO's.

This book does a great job of focusing on Lincoln's leadership traits without get sidetracked on other aspects of Lincoln's life and times. This focus on leadership traits, combined with the relative short length of the book (about 170 pages) and the author's compelling writing style, make it a quick and delightful read.

What I found most amazing about Lincoln as portrayed in this book is the incredible trust and power he bestowed upon his leaders. Even when they did not deserve his loyalty, Lincoln stuck with his people and empowered them to get things done. When they did succeed, Lincoln was quick to recognize their accomplishments. When they failed, Lincoln offered encouragement and guidance. In this way, Lincoln created some incredibly loyal followers.

What is also quite amazing is the way that Lincoln treated people with respect. When a general or cabinet member stepped out of line or made a huge mistake, Lincoln would not embarass them or chide them in front of others--he would invite them to his home and talk sensibly to them. Lincoln even gave his enemies the opportunity to "save face" in the midst of defeat. That a man with such power would treat people so honorably is truly inspiring.

Altough much of this book is centered around the Civil War and a society vastly different from today's, the material is still highly relevant to the modern business leader.

After reading this book, I have developed an entirely new appreciation for Abraham Lincoln. While always believing him to be one of the greatest leaders of the country, I never really grasped why he was a great leader until now. Phillips does a superb job here of gleaning Lincoln's leadership principles from the many details available regarding the 16th president's life.

I've now become an even greater fan of Lincoln, and plan to learn more about this man who was such an extraordinary American leader in such extraordinary difficult times. Through Lincoln's life in general and this title in particular, leaders of all varieties can find renewed insight and inspiration.

Before my review, let's have a quick reference of it per chapters/principles delivered by the author.

1. Get out of the office and circulate among the troops
2. Build strong alliances
3. Persuade rather than coerce
4. Honesty and integrity are the best policies
5. Never act out of vengeance or spite
6. Have the courage to handle unjust criticism
7. Be a master of paradox
8. Exercise a strong hand - be decisive
9. Lead by being led
10. Set goals and be results oriented
11. Keep searching until you find your "Grant"
12. Encourage innovation
13. Master the art of public speaking
14. Influence people through conversation and storytelling
15. Preach a vision and continually reaffirm it

Simple and common as found in many other leadership or management books, huh? Definitely! However, the beauty of it comes from the author's excellent story telling and writing skill, that Lincoln's biography had been intermingled vividly and interestingly with leadership axioms extracted by the author. For sure it's much easier to bear in mind the learnings from a real person, recall them and put them into practice. A good and helpful read, I must say. Dont miss it!

p.s. The chart No. of days per month on pg 23 demonstrating Lincoln's practice of MBWA (management by walking around) during the course of his presidency is really unique and impressive.

I found the book to be very well written and laid out. Not only were examples of Lincolns leadership given but, it also highlighted some key principles at the end of each chapter for all to follow. Great read with examples and principles Lincolns used.

I've worked as an employee, shift leader, and now a manager under many different general managers. After I had been a manager for 3 months, my most recent (and still current) GM loaned me this book. It's a quick read, and offers many interesting facts about Lincoln's interactions with many of his generals and other commanding officer. I can see all of the qualities and attitudes I read about in my GM, and our theater is the best in town. If you don't mind "lowering yourself" to walk among your subordinates, then this book is for you. It also provides examples of Lincoln's attitude toward his officers, and how he worked with them, no matter their feelings of him, or his feelings of them. What I gathered from the book is that no man is above any task or person, no matter how much he paid for his suit. If Lincoln can be shot at on the battle field, managers and bosses can do the menial "everyday" tasks of their employees!

Donald T. Phillips' Lincoln on Leadership, provides both fascinating historical biographical insights into Abraham Lincoln, and also relevant and practical management and leadership "principles" that are as useful in today's business world as they were almost 150 years ago. The author has compiled an impressive body of research, quotations and folksy stories that serve as parables for how a person can provide truly great leadership. Leadership is examined through Lincoln's interactions, both oral and written, as an aspiring country attorney, senate candidate, and ultimately as president and commander-in-chief during the Civil War. "Lincoln Principles" appear at the end of each chapter that serve as practical tips that can be used by leaders at all levels. Each tip is brought to life in chapters that focus on the innate leadership traits that make Lincoln one of the greatest presidents in US history. Leadership attributes are categorized into four broad categories: People, character, endeavor, and communication. Within each category, Phillips provides several chapters that explore "modern management theory" that Lincoln mastered long ago. These include management by walking around, alliance building, use of persuasion, need for integrity in all dealings, and the power of a clear, well-communicated vision.

I would recommend this book for any person who would like to be able to harness the basic tenants of leadership in understandable, everyday terms. It is the "common man" style of Lincoln that make these lessons so relevant. This is not ivory-tower, academic theory, but rather practical, real-life lessons that can be put into practice by leaders at all levels in any organization.

This book is on the Air Force Chief of Staff's reading list for Air Force officers. A very good book about Lincoln's leadership style and how this lawyer from Illinois became arguably the best president America has ever seen. He was an immaculate speaker who could speak to royalty one minute and then a blue collar worker the next. The book gives detailed anecdotes and was well researched. It gives a different view of other books because it cuts through the myth of "Honest Abe" and looks at what made him an effective leader. If you want to grow as a leader, whether in a military setting or the civilian sector, this book will help you become more effective in doing so by using Lincoln's superb example.

Phillips has helped me see Mr. Lincoln for the incredible leader he was. It is clear to me that one person can make a huge impact. His drive, vision, and selflessness saved and bettered the nation. Phillips didn't just tell the stories. He broke Lincoln's approach down into concise principles that are worthy of study and emulation.

BTW, the reviewer who decided to push her political agenda instead of discussing the content of the book missed the important similarities between Lincoln and Bush. Bush is not half the leader that Lincoln was, but they both were hated intensely and took strong though unpopular stands. If Bush manages to pull this Iraq thing out, I think history will be kind to him and people a hundred years from now will forget (as with Lincoln) how much certain individuals tried to undermine his efforts.

Leadership is rare in management because it isn't understood. "Abraham Lincoln listened, paid attention and established trust." (p. 28) Good advice for leaders from one who knew is the center of the book. As well, there is a warning to managers who refuse to listen to their own people. There are many. Organizations fail due to bad leadership yet that attitude is not often fixed. Management rarely understands its own employees. Leadership is seen as intuitive, natural and automatic. It isn't. That skill is dictatorship and is not leadership. Persuasion not coercion is the way to delegation (i.e. trust). Other methods fail. The company fails. Eric J. Lindblom PhD Harvard

Great book! I had no idea what a great leader Lincoln was and what an impact he had on our society. The book was an extremely good read and has a tremedous amount of wisdom to offer all of us. I recommend this book highly to anyone.

In a time of deep division between North and South as well as devision within both political parties, President Lincoln's success in holding the country together is most attributable to his humility and ability to appeal to man's better nature. It gave a minority president a landslide victory for his second term.
Though a skillful and shrewd politician he put country ahead of politics. Sadly the current administration has put politics and worse, ideology, ahead of country. We are more divided as a country than ever. Winning the 2004 election rquired the appeal to man's baser nature and fears.
There is a used copy of LINCOLN ON LEADERSHIP available on Amazon.com that is signed by the author and given to Pres. Bush. It is too bad that the presicent did not read and heed this book!

It's been reported that Bill Clinton treated this book as his political Bible. But don't let that discourage you (this book was recommended to me by former Christian Coalition leader, Ralph Reed). Abraham Lincoln overcame much to become what most historians regard as our "greatest President." For me, the best part of this book was learning how he managed and motivated his generals to action. You can learn a lot from "Honest Abe."

I received this book as a gift when I took a supervision course via my employer. It is a fairly easy read and gives one a look inside Lincoln's mind and what made him such a great leader during the Civil War. Lincoln's was so great and so important that he knew he could leave few things to the judgment of others. Lincoln had to rely on his own experience and knowledge of things so that he would not be given less than perfect information and advice from people who wanted to impress him, please him or who had other agendas. Lincoln's management style of MBWA (Management by Walking Around) was born out of the need to have firsthand information when it came to making many decisions while running the country during the Civil War. MBWA is a skill he excelled at, and many managers could make good use of this method. When my current boss first arrived in our organization, I advised him to come out and visit as much as possible in the workplace. I had not yet read this book on Lincoln, but I had had a leader in the past who did such things and he was the best I ever had. It was only after reading this book that I understood why that particular boss had been such a good one, and why I still remember him to this day (this was 20 years ago). My current boss recently made a surprise visit in the workplace and found much wrong. It gave him a look at the real story of how things are and how it differs greatly from some of his junior executive officers' version of things. The points in this book are just as true today as they were in Lincoln's day. I can fully understand why the instructor of my supervisor's course gave this book as a gift to the students.

"Lincoln on Leadership" is a cross between a Lincoln bio and a management primer. Author Donald Phillips said he took Sandburg's Lincoln bio for leisure reading at a week long management seminar and realized Lincoln was the epitome of everything that was discussed. He says leadership is a nebulous and abstract set of guidelines that is difficult to learn without viewing it empirically through someone like Lincoln.

Phillips uses Lincoln's presidential years to demonstrate the virtues/techniques of MBWA, honesty and integrity, persuasion, courage, goal-setting, paradox, decisiveness, humility, and sense of humor. I only wish he could have drawn more from Lincoln's pre-presidential years as an example of how a leader is made. This is a short and easy-to-read book that should be a must for any study of leadership.

If you want a stimulating and thoroughly researched leadership primer for leaders at all levels, then do not miss this gem of a book by Donald Phillips. The only drawback to reading this book was that I was limited to five stars in reviewing it-it deserved much more.

Donald Phillips wrote one of the best leadership books I have ever read. He skillfully blended many effective historical references (letters, speeches, vignettes, and anecdotes) with modern management and leadership theories to create an easy-to-read performance and character analysis of one of the very best leaders our country has ever known.

This remarkable book could (and should) serve as a "wake-up call" for the many self-proclaimed leaders in all walks of life who fail to understand the adage, "Leadership is action, not position." Some of the book's timeless leadership themes demonstrated and often perfected by Lincoln included:

*Leaders foster trust and build effective relationships with subordinates.

*Leaders are persuasive vice coercive; coercive dictatorships violate the basic rights of individuals.
*Leaders build leaders, not followers, though vision, patience, and persistence for long-term effectiveness vice short-term gains or conveniences.
*A leader who constantly maintains his honesty and integrity, and shows compassion and mercy, will inspire all around him or her to loyalty and great achievements.

Phillips, in his preface, perfectly described the book's value to the leaders of today and tomorrow...

"Since leadership principles are usually expressed rather abstractly, there is a great need for simple, concrete illustrations. Tangible examples make the difference; people relate to them. That's what the study of Lincoln gives us - tangible examples from a widely recognized great leader. Therein lies the basic premise of this book. I hope that present and future leaders in all walks of life will be enlightened (as I was) by the remarkable leadership genius of Abraham Lincoln and then will use that knowledge to improve their own skills."

A great book for learning to deal with people. After you finish reading about Lincoln's executive strategies in "Lincoln On Leadership", I suggest you go on to read the plain-talking practical anecdotes on human relations in Dale Carnegie's "How To Win Friends", and learn the philosophical basics of leadership in Norman Thomas Remick's plain-talking book "West Point: Character Leadership Education: Thomas Jefferson", to make the reading experience of Donald T. Phillips' "Lincoln On Leadership" even more useful and enlightening than it is unto itself. It's a short education on leadership.

Donald Phillips does an excellent job using history to teach leadership lessons. You can tell he has done his homework on his research;his bibliography contains over 40 books and the notes about the individual chpaters are very thorough in documenting where his material came from. Phillips' research provides the reader with a number of interesting stories about a great leader. In addition, the points of emphasis at the end of each chapter remind the reader of important lessons learned from each chapter. Highly recommended.

It's a crowded world out there for business authors and consultants who are trying to break away from the pack - to say something different and "brand" a new idea and concept. Covey is probably the most recognizable with his "7 Habits of Highly Successful" People. He created a jargon (expand your "Circle of Influence." What?), catch phrases and partnered with Franklin Date/Time Planners to make the package complete. It was the "holy grail" of personal management; anyone still using it? Anyone still using TQM or ISO? Personal management and leadership is a much simpler concept than Convey et al would have you think.
Mr. Phillips, who recently spoke at our company, looks to the leadership of Lincoln and the Founding Fathers for inspiration. These men did what came natural to them - they didn't attend seminars on effectiveness - they practiced good communication and used each other's skills to their collective best advantage (i.e. Franklin yielded to Jefferson the penning of the Declaration of Independence). Don Phillips distills what they did right and presents it in easy to comprehend concepts that would be applicable up and down the corporate chain of command (from mail room to CEO). In addition, the history lesson at the beginning of each chapter is fascinating. I can not recommend this book enough. Donald Phillips doesn't spin a new language or try to graphically explain (a la Covey) the point he wishes to make. Not all of us are born leaders, some must practice and this book will help. A note on Phillips: he's aliened himself with the US Coast Guard, an organization known globally for its superb leadership. His new book is coauthored with the recently retired Coast Guard Commandant, Admiral Loy, and chronicles the challenges faced by the service.

Phillips' book contains many interesting facts of Lincoln's leadership style and provides many examples of why Lincoln was so effective.

Even as a Southerner, I have always admired Lincoln along with Robert Lee, Thomas Jackson, and U.S. Grant as the most remarkable leaders of a turbulent time in our great nation's history.

Some of the more interesting points Phillips makes in his book are (while including historical examples from Lincoln's life) include:

1. How to deal with unjust criticism.
2. A good leader has to be persistent and focused on his
goals.
3. Encouraging innovation and risk-taking by others.
4. Be succinct and consistent in your communication.
5. An excellent leader must be decisive at the appropriate
time and place.
6. Honesty and integrity are of utmost importance.
7. Persuasion works better than coercion.
8. Never underestimate the power of informally talking
with your subordinates.

All in all, an excellent read full of practical advice on how to treat people with respect and dignity!

Unquestionably, this is one of the best books ever written to teach the art of "learning to deal with people". An inspiring and uplifting book that provides the very best of what this great human was all about. Humorous and heartwarming, each chapter teaches the reader about practical people skills and does so using time tested successes that truly work. Lincoln understood that "people are all the same wherever you go". No matter what country, age, or race, all people have the same needs, desires and motivations. Lincoln understood this principle better than anyone did. From humble roots, A. Lincoln was tireless in his lifelong quest to excel by being: excellent in study, resilient and magnanimous in defeat, courageous in battle, brave in the face of danger, and sharing of praise in victory. An American to look up to, this outstanding patriot and humanitarian is from the other side of the "final battle" still even today teaching us to "do to others as we would have others do to us".

I liked the topic and focus of the book, and I think it's a worthwhile subject to explore. However, the writing was not particularly engaging and I really had to force myself to get through the book.

The book is divided into four sections. Each section contains some specific subsections with examples of Lincoln's style. I liked the format and organization of the book, but the writing in each section tended to stray from the topic in question. At the end of each subsection, the author has listed some "Lincoln Principles". These were an interesting idea, but not implemented well. Sometimes language was not updated for our time, and sometimes words seemed to be put in Lincoln's mouth - in fact, I wondered what he would think after reading this book!

There's no question that Lincoln was a powerful leader; whether or not he was "the greatest leader this world has yet known" is debatable. However, he practiced a very effective leadership style similar to Likert's System 3 of management, Blake & Mouton's Team Management theory, and level 4 of Vroom-Yetton's Leader-Participation Model. But I was particularly struck by the similarities to Kunhert and Lewis's Transformational Leadership Theory. The description seemed to be written specifically about Abraham Lincoln. He inspired great loyalty, lived by his principles, motivated people to do their best, and was arguably the greatest communicator to hold the presidency.

Overall, I think we can all learn from Lincoln's leadership style. I plan to be less dictatorial and more persuasive - I noticed that Lincoln used persuasion to great effect. He was also adept at delegating and relied heavily on subordinates, something I'd like to work towards.

What a unique and future thinking approach to history and leadership studies. This author took something that did not exist and made it happen, and it is actually useful. I work in the field of Leadership Identification and Development and I would recommend this book to any leadership professional who wishes to expand their current knowledge base on leadership models. This book is also great for anyone in the workforce who wants to step out and lead.

I think the unique part of this book is that it looks at a leader who made it through one of the toughest experiences in the history of the world, and how Lincoln got through the tough times.

You will not be dissapointed with this book.

If you are looking for some magical new insight into leadership, this isn't the book for you. Although the ideas are ones you have heard before, the author does a great job of giving you demonstrable actions you can take by demonstrating how Lincoln exhibited the quality/trait in his own life. Not for the innovator, but certainly great incentive for the new executive!

Donald T. Phillips' book is a wonderful study of leadership through the first-hand experiences of one of history's most masterful leaders--Abraham Lincoln. Phillips introduces a host of specific principles known by many to be effective in leading people and organizations, but takes them to the next level by clearly illustrating Lincoln's use of them through many specific incidents. These incidents bring his example of effective leadership alive, bringing credibility not only to the principles, but to Lincoln. Each chapter's end quite conveniently summarizes the main points allowing the reader to ponder its usefulness to our own leadership roles. One of the best books I've read on leadership--and I've read many. Highly recommended.

Lincoln on Leadership, that's what the title says. How simple! But get inside and be prepared to change the way you think about work, leadership, leaders, the works. This is one of those books that you'll always look back on and remember how things were different after reading it. It will really impact you in different ways. Let's get on with it...

I have always thought of Lincoln of a unique man placed in the path of a rampaging destiny that he managed to confront and redirect to a more tame direction. He accomplished things that no other president has even had to prepare for, and this book gives you some insite into how he did it. There cannot be a more human man on the planet.

Now let's go to the writing. Mr. Phillips provides a fabulous story that shows what made Lincoln the great leader he was. In doing this, the reader is supposed to get the point, then apply these traits to their toolbox of leadership skills. I'm so impressed by this little book, that I will carry it with me wherever I go, and read it whenever I have a chance. I want to buy one for my boss, but he won't get it. Anyway, they are words to live by, and skills to use for the enhancement of your own leadership skills. Come on, give it a try.

Mr. Phillips even includes a good amount of history, Civil War obviously, in his writing. In my many years of reading about the Civil War, I have yet to encounter, in 15 or so pages, a better description of the problems, search, changes, politics, and ultimate success Lincoln had in finding generals to run his armies. The author covers all theaters, clearly, with detail, and in an engaging fashion. I find that a book that can teach me 2 or 3 different things at the same time is a rare find, and worth more then it's value.

If you're getting this book for a class, work, or related venture, what a treat you have in store. If you're reading this for the hisroty and political science, also a treat awaits. But if you're reading this to learn about being a leader, then prepare yourself for a life altering experience.

Thank you so much Mr. Phillips.

In concise and efficient manner, Mr. Donald Phillips has humanized President Lincoln through an insightful analysis of his personal skills and styles which are paramount in propelling him into a Champion of the people and one of the greatest Presidents in American history: his bond with and understanding of the common man, his character, his endeavors, his communication skills. This book is well-wriiten and a must-read.

It is, therefore, with great trepidation, that I must point out one particular mis-representation of President Lincoln towards the end of the second paragraph of Chapter Ten/ Set Goals and Be Results-Oriented on page 109 in the 1993 paperback edition. It reads, and I quote: "As a young man, Lincoln tended to be overly ambitious. In 1838, at the age of twenty-nine, dlivering one of his more famous speeches to the Young Men's Lyceum of Springfield, Lincoln proivded some insight into his own personality when he stated: 'Towering genius disdains a beaten path. It seeks regions hitherto unexplored ... It scorns to tread in the footsteps of any predecessor, however, illustrious. It thirsts and burns for distinction..."

The referenced Lyceum speech arguably anchored President Lincoln's life, from his personal goals to his political aspirations to his universal agenda for humanity. And the above paragraph tends to distort President Lincoln into the very beasts he was warning his people against.

On January 27th, 1838, at the wake of a national mob riot which resulted in burning in St. Louis of a black man, President Lincoln delivered the speech before the Young Men's Lyceum of Springfield in Illinois.

The "towering genius" President Lincoln referred to was among the likes of Alexander, Caesar, Napoleon, and those who, if unchecked, would one day rise amongst the people, and with distinction being his paramount object, determining that "opportunity [of doing good] being past, and nothing left to be done in the way of building up, he would set boldly to the task of pulling down." That would lead to the downfall of this nation of the free from within. The approach of danger "must spring up amongst us. It cannot come from abraod. If destruction be our lot, we must ourselves be its author and finisher. As a nation of freemen, we must live through all time, or die by suicide." President Lincoln forsaw the shadow of destruction in these mob riots and challenged the people to be "united with each other, attached to the government and laws, and generally intelligent, [in order to] successfully frustrate his designs."

It is my hope that this aside could be of help to you, and that one day President Lincoln, his courage, his empathy and his selfless sacrifice would inspire you to greater aspirations, dreams and hope in life as he has done for me.

Donald T. Phillips has written a solid and engaging book. It has been hailed by critics and leaders in business, sports, and every other arena as a common sense masterpiece of historical and character analysis. The book is divided into key lessons, each representing an aspect of President Abraham Lincoln's leadership style, as revealed through his words and actions. A beautifully written intimate history, the book shows Lincoln in action. The discussion reveals clearly how any leader can apply Lincoln's timeless principles about communication, character, endeavor, and people. We [...] recommend this book to anyone interested in leadership, Lincoln, or history.

This is an excellent synopsis of Lincoln's leadership style and practice. The man who taught us the virtue of perserverance also shows us that tolerance for failure in lieu of sincere effort is also a virtue of a great leader. Lincoln's patience, perservernce, tolerance and humblenss are beyond reproach. Phillips does a magnificent job of illustrating the importance of these traits in this work. The author's use of anecdotes and memorable quips helps to paint a detailed picture of Lincoln's true grace under fire.

Lincoln on Leadership is an very entertaining book dealing with historical experiences of our 16th President, and the fundamentals of leadership Lincoln used to navigate during our nations most trying time. Phillips does an excellent job defining what leadership is, citing several classic leadership books. Phillips explains how Lincoln used story telling and jokes to persuade people. Phillips persuades the reader to his principles of leadership using Lincoln's story. However, Philips does occasionally make broad opinionated comments about the history behind Lincoln. Regardless, a must read for those interested in how to better lead an organization.

This book provides a great insight into the character of the man who led us through the most contentious period of American history. The simple tenets that Lincoln followed not only brought our country through a tremendously difficult time, but kept his integrity untarnished through it all.