Abraham Lincoln was a man of humble beginnings who, though self-taught, rose to greatness through the many leadership qualities that he possessed. Quality traits that Lincoln possessed were honesty, integrity and a great devotion towards the rights of the people. It was probably through his impoverished upbringing that he formed such a bond with common folks. Lincoln was able to show the country that an ordinary person, with strong character and integrity, was capable of inspiring others to greatness. His ability to communicate through dynamic speeches was inspirational to a country so badly in need of someone to return the country to the unity that it had once had. His commitment to the rights of individuals was a cornerstone of his
During the Civil War, Lincoln made many trips to the battlefields and field hospitals, meeting the troops, establishing lasting connections with them that boosted their morale. When in public, he would make it a point to try and speak to everyone and even shake their hands if possible. By taking the time to speak and interact with subordinates, it develops a connection between the people and their leader and serves as a motivator, even in modern times (Moreton, 2008).
Through these leadership traits, Lincoln was able to make a great impact on the country and was able to hold the Union together and rebuild this great nation. In his second inaugural speech, he focused on this point when he said, “With malice toward none, with charity for all, ? let us strive on to finish the work we are in, to bind up the nation's wounds, to care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow and his orphan, to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations.”(Moreton, 2008)
References
Moreton,Catherine. (2008). 10 Qualities that Made Abraham Lincoln a Great Leader. Retrieved August 27, 2012 from http://hr.blr.com/whitepapers/Staffing-Training/Leadership/10-Qualities-that-Made-Abraham-Lincoln-a-Great-Lea/
Phillips, D.T. (1992). LINCOLN ON LEADERSHIP. Illinois, U.S.A. DTP/Companions Books
Wadhwa, Hitendra. (2012). How Lincoln became a great leader. Retrieve August27, 2012 from