A truly inspirational leader Lincoln was! He had a tremendous sense of optimism, hope, empathy, and cooperation. Maybe it was because he had a great family that helped him instill these good qualities and acquire them from an early age. Also, his ability to keep learning and improving was remarkable.

Unfortunately, most inspiring leaders share the same fate—Lincoln was betrayed and shot, which put an end to such a powerful leader.

Really interesting look at leadership in the 1860s and how applicable it is today.

A leadership book that is actually interesting...

Few leaders have responded to challenges of leadership with such fortitude and grace, and ultimately success as Lincoln. This book gives the reader insights into Lincoln as President and wartime commander in chief. The learnings are relevant beyond government to business. We are judged by how we confront crises and looming failures. Lincoln’s example is highly instructive. A useful read.

I have a love hate relationship with this book. I took away some solid principles/life lessons that I think I’ll for sure try to focus on growing in my personal life. Though, from a historical perspective I don’t like that the author turned everything Lincoln did into a positive light when some of what he did was Napoleon-esque. The author was sneaky with his writing and how he communicated his points, which made me not trust him.

Lincoln gives me Biden vibes but competent (which is scary).. I think he probably gets a lot more credit nowadays than what he should but also I don’t want to discredit what Lincoln did to contribute to the good of America. As a leader, he was one of the greatest in US history, he transformed the American government (whether it was for good or bad is subjective) but objectively his time and leadership was transformative for American history and he achieved his intended purposes.

I think book studies on Presidential leadership might be my go to genre for 2025.

I found this is to be an entertaining and extremely informative read. Great leadership lessons and insight into who Lincoln was as a man and leader. Other reviews said this was a dull and boring read, I disagree. I finished it in 4 hours becasue I was so immersed.

This book breaks down the skills and talents that comprise leadership that still hold true today. In this area in particular, Lincoln was a great role model, as he led this country through its most painful and challenging period. This book should be required reading in management classes. It's one thing to be a manager and something else entirely to be a leader.

There aren't any new ideas about leadership in the book but if you are interested in Lincoln's leadership style or learning about Lincoln in a different way, then this book might be interesting. A very easy read. Almost too basic, making it seem like it should go along with a high school history class.

i’m in love with abraham lincoln

I found this book very engaging but I’m also captivated by history and the Civil War. The leadership ideas Lincoln embodied were relatable and essential. I have witnessed them to a degree in all the inspiring leaders I’ve encountered in my own life. Decisiveness, suggestion or inspiration and not dictation, passing praise and owning failure, giving a grace period and allowing for failure with subordinates, humility and practicality over etiquette and dignity, always learning, building positive relationships with subordinates at all levels, inspection and oversight where the battle/production/action is, leaders don’t have bad days publicly, understanding of the paradox of consistent adaptation (consistency in execution but open to new ideas).

Really enjoyed reading this book. Part historical, part business leadership, all educational. There were a few chapters I glossed over that I found less interesting, but others I absorbed every word of it. When reading the book it's easy to think to yourself, "this is all common sense or common knowledge," but then you think about your workplace today, as I did, and it's apparently not as easy as you thought. If everyone read this book and acted accordingly things would be much better off in the workplace and at home.

"I do not remember that you and I ever met personally. I write this now as a grateful acknowledgement for the almost inestimable service you have done the country. I wish to say a word further. When you first reached the vicinity of Vicksburg...I never had any faith, except a general hope that you knew better than I that the expedition could succeed...I feared it was a mistake. I now wish to make the personal acknowledgement that you were right, and I was wrong." -A. Lincoln to Gen. Grant