Leadership guidance from Abraham Lincoln

It has been great to be able to reflect each day in July on how Abraham Lincoln's leadership philosophy and core values offer valuable insights that can be applied to building an organisational approach, a leadership team (my focus is always on B2B Selling) in a corporate environment dealing with clients on a daily basis.

Here are the five key takeaways in this context that really draw on his his principles:

1.???Empathy and Compassion: Lincoln believed in understanding the perspectives and needs of others. He was known for his empathy, which helped him connect with people from diverse backgrounds. In a business setting, leaders should prioritize empathy to understand clients' concerns, needs, and expectations, fostering stronger relationships and better service.

2.???Integrity and Honesty: Lincoln was a man of integrity, and his honesty was one of his defining traits. He upheld strong moral principles and was transparent in his actions and decisions. Building a leadership team based on integrity and honesty fosters trust among team members and clients alike, creating a foundation of credibility and reliability.

3.???Resilience and Perseverance: Lincoln faced numerous challenges and setbacks throughout his life and presidency. However, his unwavering determination and resilience allowed him to overcome adversity. In a business environment, leaders should encourage resilience and perseverance within their teams, enabling them to navigate (with the help of colleagues) tough situations and find innovative solutions for clients.

4.???Inclusive Decision-Making: Lincoln recognized the value of diversity and inclusivity in decision-making. He actively sought diverse opinions and perspectives, fostering an atmosphere of open dialogue and collaboration. In a business leadership team, embracing diverse viewpoints and experiences leads to more comprehensive problem-solving and better client engagement.

5.???Visionary Thinking: Lincoln was a visionary leader who had a clear sense of purpose and direction. He articulated a powerful vision for a united and progressive nation. In this context, business leaders should inspire their teams with a compelling vision that aligns with the company's mission while considering the needs and aspirations of their clients (the people who 'pay' the bills).

By applying these key principles from all of the writings (of which their are many) we can use Abraham Lincoln's leadership philosophy to create a more rounded a leadership team.

I love to focus on how this creates unique sales solutions for clients and in any organisational structure, if we can cultivate a customer-centric approach, enhance client satisfaction, and build a reputation for ethical and effective leadership?then success is both more likely and then likely to be more enduring!