BY : Lolly Daskal

Abraham Lincoln governed the U.S. through one of its most challenging eras--and his leadership still influences us today. Here are some of his most enduring and life changing lessons we can all learn from.

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Abraham Lincoln's life and presidency are a lesson in great leadership qualities.

Some of his abilities were natural; others he consciously developed over the course of his life. Many are still relevant today.

Here is a sampling:

"If I were to try to read, much less answer, all the attacks made on me, this shop might as well be closed for any other business. I do the very best I know how--the very best I can; and I mean to keep doing so until the end." --The Inner Life of Abraham Lincoln: Six Months at the White House by Francis B. Carpenter

Lincoln's leadership was deeply grounded in his values and integrity. At the core of Lincoln's work were the values of liberty and equality. Those values shone through in his words. More important, they were reflected in his actions. It was his closely held principles that guided him through some of the most difficult decisions that a leader could face. His reputation for honesty and humility added even more credibility to his bearing.

"Let us have faith that right makes might, and in that faith, let us, to the end, dare to do our duty as we understand it." --Cooper Institute Address, February 27, 1860

The strength of Lincoln's vision of America has probably never been matched. And while he was never reluctant to preach that vision, he would have been a far less memorable figure had he stopped there. Instead he used his vision, his principles, and his leadership to inspire those around him to action.

"Leave nothing for tomorrow which can be done today." --Notes for a law lecture, July 1, 1850

Part of Lincoln's ability to convert passion into action was his careful attention to detail and strategy, paired with an unstoppable work ethic. His law partner, William Herndon, noted that Lincoln was "always calculating and planning ahead" and described his ambition as "a little engine that knew no rest."

"Adhere to your purpose, and you will soon feel as well as you ever did. On the contrary, if you falter, and give up, you will lose the power of keeping any resolution, and will regret it all your life." --Letter to Quintin Campbell, June 28, 1862

In his early years, Lincoln tried several different careers in his quest to succeed in life. He ran a general store and was a postmaster, a surveyor, and eventually a lawyer and politician. Along the way, he developed the enviable ability to persevere and learn from his own failure.

"Stand with anybody that stands right. Stand with him while he is right and part with him when he goes wrong." --Speech at Peoria, Illinois, October 16, 1854

Lincoln understood that great works can't be accomplished alone, and he gained trust and respect by building strong relationships and alliances. Always true to his word, he was reliable in partnership as long as the other party was as well.

"I am rather inclined to silence, and whether that be wise or not, it is at least more unusual nowadays to find a man who can hold his tongue than to find one who cannot." --Remarks at the Monogahela House, February 14, 1861

Though Lincoln was an outstanding writer and public speaker, he was even more adept at the art of conversation. He could talk to anyone and had a terrific sense of humor. Conversation was Lincoln's chief form of persuasion--and like any good conversationalist, he knew how to listen as well.

Abraham Lincoln listened, paid attention and established trust. He built strong relationships and found time for others. He chose his words carefully and made sure his actions followed. And, above all, he fueled his leadership with an unswerving commitment to something greater than himself.

Most of us are called to much smaller tasks than saving a nation on the verge of disintegration. But if we bring Lincoln's principles to bear, we give ourselves every advantage in whatever we set out to do and it can alter our lives.

What do you think? Is this something you can benefit from or do you have a few tricks up your sleeve that are just as powerful? Make your voice heard by leaving a comment below. Don’t forget to hit the share button if you know others who will find this post useful.

I.C. Collins ~ Author, Educator, Trainer and President: Has One Simple Goal: I believe it is my mission and purpose to remind you, that you are meant to have the best life possible! You were created with intention and purpose and I am here to simply help guide you through your life’s journey.

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