Had to read this for a course for my masters. I found the information about Lincoln very interesting, but the concepts were nothing new.

If I could rate it zero stars, I would. It was horrible and put me to sleep. I believe that it shouldn't have been written. I admire Phillips for trying to write an original book, but it is a terrible topic that is very dull.

This book was required reading for a class and while leadership books aren't generally my thing, Abraham Lincoln certainly is. This book offers good insight into what made Lincoln such an effective leader and tips on how to emulate his style should you find yourself in a position of leadership.

The book contains some very good advice. It is a bit slow reading at times, which is why I gave it the low rating of "just ok." Basically, you get the principle, then an illustration of the principle from Lincoln's life and work. At the end of each chapter you then get some bullet points which summarize the chapter nicely. For people just wanting to scan, those bullet points would be the way to go. It is interesting to read about Lincoln, but as I said, the prose at times can be a bit dry. However, I still think the book is worth a look, and it is not too heavy.

A highly valuable insight into the mind of one of the most influential leaders America has ever seen. This book provides a tangible grasp on leadership by clearly outlining the strategies and qualities that made Lincoln so successful. I highly recommend for anyone seeking to be or already in a position of leadership.

This book is an excellent tribute to President Lincoln, as well as thorough guide to being a strong leader. I especially liked how well organized it is and the bulleted list of principles discussed at the end of each chapter. I am even more impressed with this great man. I am not particularly focused on becoming a leader, but this book had inspired me. I began this book solely on the basis of being about Abraham Lincoln. I find him fascinating and motivating. I would recommend this book to those either eager to study the USA's 16th President or who desire to be a better leader.

This is a solid book on leadership. Those with an affinity for Lincoln will particularly enjoy. Each chapter focuses on a leadership quality. The structure of each chapter is predictable. The author provides evidence of a leadership quality in Lincoln then ends with a paragraph or two of application for the reader. The book would benefit by expanding these application sections.

I read this in tandem with some of the students that I get to work alongside at Lipscomb, and it was an interesting reminder as they are also the students I led as a student leader in the midst of the pandemic. The subtitle “Executive Strategies for Tough Times” felt like a call back to the chaos and extreme molding that I experienced during that time as a leader.

I am not a history buff, so historical reading is not my forte or cup of tea, but I was surprised by how easy it was for me to engage with the text. The simple fact that the content felt timely and applicable despite it being from the pages of history was one of the reasons for that ease. Lincoln seems to loom in my mind's eye as a myth of ginormous size like his massive monument in Washington DC, but this work reminded me that he was a man who lived, breathed, failed, tried, and grew over time in his leadership. I appreciated that the work referenced instances of Lincoln’s development as an individual throughout his presidency and roles prior to his time in office.

Definitely not a read I would pick up to read for fun, but one that I did enjoy and will return to when considering future career movements, especially when considering some tactics to improve/hone my leadership in different teams!

Lent to me by a friend, I was at first expecting a small book with general menial principles with some proof texting to support. What I gleaned from this text was a monumental work on leadership by the author, codifying how to emulate Lincoln through the difficulties of his tenure as president of America during the Civil War. This book could easily become a class of lectures and open discussions. The text should be studied and embodied by any and all in a leadership role. Lincoln lives out the timeless truths of leadership and Donald T. Phillips captures them well, with helpful quick reference principles at the end of each chapter. Add to your library and reference often, especially if you are leading people.

My teacher in my Administration of Justice class has required the class to read the first 2 chapters of this book, and I am wrapping it up on my own just for fun. I can see why he asked us to read certain sections of the book, being that going into a career in law enforcement requires quite a bit of leadership. Although this book talks about leadership on a larger scale, like the presidency during a time of a national divide, I like how it gives insight on how to apply Lincoln's leadership strategies to everyday life. I also enjoy how at the end of the chapters it gives a short recap on the strategies that were touched upon. I also really enjoy how the book mentions specific people and experiences that Lincoln had, or events that transpired that led up to valuable life lessons for him. I think this is a really great book for helpful advice on how to develop leadership qualities, and an interesting read if you're into history.

Don't like history but enjoyed this book.

I had to read this book for a leadership class. I am glad it was required because it isn't a book I would have picked up in my own. So interesting how principles from the 1800s can still be relevant today. A forward thinking man for his day and resounding lessons for today's generation of leaders.

This should probably be titled “How Lincoln Used Stories to Lead.” The book is entertaining and well researched. However, I don’t believe it completely coalesces Lincoln’s leadership approach other than to say he was involved, kind, compassionate, thoughtful, a good speaker, and could use a story to convey a point. What can us mere mortals do to be more effective? When do you use a story? When to be forgiving? What is too involved? It is one thing to say Lincoln had these qualities in abundance—it is worth 5-stars if you can help me move in that direction. Due to this shortcoming, 4-stars.