Lessons from Lincoln

I finished my first book of 2009 last week. Team of Rivals, the Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln by Doris Kearns Goodwin was a phenomenal book and it planted Abraham Lincoln firmly into my tight circle of political heroes (including Benjamin Franklin and Martin Luther King, Jr.).

Although the book detailed some of Lincoln's biographical information, the focus was on his political skill. I found reinforcement for many life lessons in the book. The tasks of managing relationships and juggling varying interests impact all aspects of our lives (in professional, social or any other station of life). How we handle those challenges can impact our lives deeply and impact effectiveness and even happiness.

As a brief summary, Lincoln appointed his political rivals to his closest quarters. He did so to take advantage of the best talent available in the newly-formed Republican party (which looks nothing like the party of today) and to keep himself honest and accountable by turning cabinet meetings into runs through a political gauntlet. Lincoln managed to apply the best talent in the nation to a common task, refine his own thinking through the filter of a blunt cabinet and exerted his own dominion thereover all at the same time. In a word, it was a remarkable feat at a perilous time in our history. And he pulled it off beautifully.

This book has been present in every grocery store in the nation for the simple reason that our new president has cited its teachings as an inspiration for his cabinet. I cannot help but be impressed by the undertaking, and I wish our president the best of luck in handling such strong personalities and conflicting interests with the unique grace of our 16th president. What Lincoln did could not be duplicated by just anyone.

I found a number of basic lessons from the book that anyone can use in life. They are all self-evident lessons, and none of them are new, but they are each presented under the unique and withering pressure of the Civil War. Those simple lessons, applied by a president, saved the union. That example was powerful to say the least. Those same values and techniques, I think, can apply to anyone in daily life.

First, anyone should be willing to listen to the arguments of those who disagree. I read recently that, as our politics have polarized, many people have entrenched themselves into one or the other ideological camp. Many listen to and speak to only those with whom they agree. The resulting "us" vs. "them" mentality deepens the problem.

This book reinforced my belief that we should never be afraid to consider that any of us could be mistaken on any given topic. We can also find a greater truth to a belief once that belief survives strong contemplation.

Second, never judge a book by its cover. Lincoln's political rivals all underestimated Lincoln, some severely so. He was referred to as an "ape," and a "country lawyer." It turns out that the awkward Illinois lawyer who struggled to find fitting clothing, taught himself to read and practice law and moved as if always stumbling was a run-away intellectual superior even to those in his cabinet. It is fair to say we have all been guilty of flash judgements, and everyone has experienced the surprise of being wrong.

Finally, this book reinforced the time-honored Golden Rule. By treating even adversaries with respect, humility and compassion, rivals can become willing allies. It also does not hurt to have a sense of humor, especially about one's self. Nothing disarms quite like self-deprecation, humility and a good laugh.

Although Lincoln made the political tactic of providing enough rope for one to hang himself into a beautiful art, he remained gracious. Although capable of twisting opponents into political knots, Lincoln wielded his abilities gracefully and without malice or vengeance.

We all face challenges in life, at work and in the home. But, I try to remember that if such basic core values as those practiced by our nation's greatest president can save the Union, they can get anyone through the trials in life or at least grant us some comfort in dealing with daily struggles.

Every other book I read this year will be chasing Team of Rivals for the title of best book I read in 2009.