Lincoln and leadership

  • Published
  • By Col. James Pfaff
  • 376th Air Expedtionary Wing Public Affairs
MANAS AIR BASE, Kyrgyzstan (AFPN) --  Most of us don't think much about Abraham Lincoln, except when maybe we see a five dollar bill or a penny. But President Barack Obama greatly admires the sixteenth president and his hopes and expectations for America. 

Feb. 12 marked the 200th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's birth. We should take a moment to consider this man who saved our republic, ended slavery and put America back on its course as a beacon of freedom.

We all know something about "Honest Abe." He was born in a log cabin and was a self-taught prairie lawyer. But his words and the deeds that followed made him great in history and loved by so many Americans.

One reason for his success and for the place he holds in history is his strong sense of integrity. The nickname "Honest Abe" was earned throughout his lifetime. As an attorney, his truthfulness was widely known among people in Illinois. In Congress, he thought the Mexican War was unjust and opposed it, though it cost him his re-election. He firmly opposed slavery, despite the powerful slave owners who influenced so much of the era's political life.

As president, Abraham Lincoln thoughtfully wrote to Gen. Ulysses Grant, admitting that he had been wrong and General Grant right about how to capture the crucial Mississippi River strongpoint at Vicksburg. At the same time, President Lincoln had the fortitude to tell ineffective army leaders they had to do better. Sometimes he did it with humor, once telling Gen. George McClellan, "If you are not using the army, I would like to."

He could also be blunt, removing many leaders who failed in battle. Those generals are little remembered today, while General Grant remains famous as the great hero who won the Civil War. As the Union Army drove toward the Confederate capital of Richmond, Va., despite terrible casualties, President Lincoln told General Grant, "I begin to see it. You will succeed." It was remarkable support for a soldier with a brutally difficult task before him.

All of us face challenges demanding integrity and leadership. Sometimes you win people's best effort with a gentle joke. Often you must give them support in difficult circumstances. And you may be called on to hold people directly accountable for their actions. 

President Lincoln's style of leadership is not always easy, but in every case, your integrity and honesty will be demonstrated. While you probably won't end up on Mount Rushmore, you will know when you did right.

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