This book touches on a plethora of interesting and useful topics, but the writing is really bad. It reads like a high school research paper, not something written by a professional for the purpose of being read by a wide audience. People always say of a good book, "I couldn't put it down"; it took me months to get through it because "I couldn't pick it back up".

A great "entry-level" executive leadership book. This isn't necessarily a must-read for those who actively read books on leadership, however this is a great starting point for new leaders or those that like historical context of those concepts.

I give it five stars for the organization of it, the research, the ties to leadership and courage under unimaginable circumstances. I love the stories of how Lincoln handled things and it prompted much reflection upon my own much smaller landscape.

I struggled w the writing style and allegations at times made by the author based on just general observations - the editorial sections were weaker and yet the author did do a great job pulling the lessons out and making them digestible and meaningful.

I’d recommend highly to anyone.

A love letter to Lincoln’s morality. No surprises whatsoever—it felt a bit preachy and one dimensional. Frequently referenced a gap between “the Lincoln myth” and reality yet seemed intent on showing us a ready-made hero rather than a real man.

There’s probably better books on Lincoln out there, but that’s ok. He was a great leader, and it’s always good to reflect on his work and character.

Lincoln became president during the hardest time in USA history. The previous president have no idea what to do with the rebel states that formed confederates of America and Lincoln had to solve the civil war that embarks the country.

His mission as President is probably the toughest job ever and somehow with his leadership, he managed to do it. The book foretold the strategies of Lincoln to win in the civil war and reunites America.

I'm a self-professed Lincoln fan, but still I feel that this is a worthwhile book for any aspiring leader to read. Lincoln is well recognized as one of the most successful leaders in history and this book provides an easy-reading and succinct, yet still entertaining and enlightening, survey of his varied leadership techniques.

It is short enough and organized in an agreeable way to be easily digested in short bursts, whether at lunch or on the commute.

One of the final lines of the book gives summary enough, "Lincoln's attitude and behavior as president of the United States essentially characterized the process that symbolizes acceptable and decent relations among human beings."

Had high hopes for this book, as I have a lifelong curiosity about everything related to Lincoln. Found this book disappointing. Maybe even somewhat juvenile. I suppose it was targeted as a casual bookstore browser looking for something quick and easy to read. Anyway, not my cup of tea, and I have read hundreds of books on leadership and on Lincoln.

A local business leader provided this book at a recent seminar. It does an excellent job of condensing and illustrating some principles contemporary speakers/writers/researchers have learned about leadership.

A sign it was good: I recorded a lot of notes and quotes:

When a leader begins to coerce his followers, he’s essentially abandoning leadership and embracing dictatorship

If people like/trust you, you may be able to persuade them

Lincoln used the principles in the currently popular “Radical Candor”

Managers do things right; leaders do the right thing

It is the sole responsibility of the leader to instill values by constant preaching and persuasion.

Lincoln was known for leniency. Which may have been a positive trait. (But what would he have thought of the fact that we are still fighting the Civil War in many ways)

My thought: Why do we view politicians and business leaders differently? We see one as playing a game, and that’s to our society’s detriment.

Abe: “in any future great national trial, compared with the men of this, we shall have as weak and as strong, as silly and as wise, as bad as good”

“If I have not established a character enough to give lie to this charge, I can only say that I am mistaken in my own estimate of myself” REPUTATION MATTERS

Leaders must deal with paradoxes (good lesson for me)

Aesop’s fable of woods mans daughter and lion— Obama should have read it before assuming the opposition was negotiating in good faith.

Abe was a master of anecdote; I hope my “parables” are 1% as enlightening.

“He who does something at the head of one regiment will eclipse him who does nothing at the head of 100”

This was what I like to call my “Nightstand Book” for the past 4 months or so. It was the book that I would read occasionally when I found myself in bed, but not quite sleepy enough yet. I chipped away at it, but I always enjoyed coming back to it!!

This is a leadership book, so it has your typical principle format—each chapter is a different quality or characteristic that Lincoln possessed, and that also displayed outstanding leadership. The book is laced with Lincoln anecdotes, letters, speeches, etc. I’m a huge fan of Lincoln, and this book even taught me a few new things about him.

This is a fun book to read once and awhile, but I probably wouldn’t read page after page in a single sitting. I have learned so much from Lincoln, and I hope that all of this learning of him will rub off and help me adopt some of his incredible attributes one day.

Had to read this one for my Leading Effective Organizations class, and glad to have done so! A very easy read packed full of wisdom for leadership as modeled by Abraham Lincoln. A fascinating look into his character and opened my eyes that much more as to just what made him so great. HIGHLY RECOMMEND.

I really liked this book and getting to know more about Abraham Lincoln's leadership style and example. He was a great leader and I think we could all learn a lot from his strengths:
* Get out and circulate among the troops
* Build strong alliances
* Persuade rather than coerce
* Honesty and integrity are the best policies
* Never act out of vengeance or spite
* Have the courage to handle unjust criticism
* Be a master of paradox
* Exercise a strong hand--be decisive
* Lead by being led
* Set goals and be results-oriented
* Keep searching until you find your "Grant"
* Encourage innovation
* Master the art of public speaking
* Influence people through conversations and storytelling
* Preach a vision and continually reaffirm it

My take-aways:
* Talk to people and really care about them.
* When you're frustrated with someone or something write a letter and never send it.
* Be honest.
* Be compassionate.
* Have a sense of humor.
* Know what your vision is and stick to it.
* Ask for ideas from everyone -- have an open door.
* Be decisive.
* Learn and learn to tell stories.

We could use his vision today: "that sentiment of giving liberty not alone to the people of this country, but hope to the world for all future time. It was that which gave promise that in due time the weights would be lifted from the shoulders of all men, and that all should have equal chance (p. 163)."