“Democracy is the government of the people by the people, for the people,” was part of

the famous 1863 speech by the sixteenth American president, Abraham Lincoln, also called the
Gettysburg speech.

Lincoln was a leader who liked to be surrounded by people, even people who did not
always agree with his opinion.

He was a very determined man. Even if, for example, there were months in which people
in his cabinet debated whether abolishing slavery was a good solution or not, Lincoln made the
decision to issue an Emancipation Proclamation himself.

Another element that made Lincoln a good leader, experts say, would be a developed
emotional intelligence. Although he was often criticized for his actions, Lincoln tried to
understand their point of view, even if it was contrary to his personal vision.

Abraham Lincoln was an excellent administrator, and his leadership style was such that
he did not have to be coercive to persuade others to agree on his point of view. It was his strong
character, humility and honesty that made him so successful as the president of the country.
During his tenure, the national Bank Act, the Homestead Act, and the Morrill Act were passed.
He was instrumental in passing an act that prepared the way for the transcontinental railroad.

Lincoln teaches an essential lesson: A leader must make himself understood, explain to
all his employees the vision of the company, its goals. Once employees understand the mission,
the “why” of their actions, things will work much more effectively in the organization.

Empathy, patience, determination, and ambition are just some of the principles any leader
can learn from Abraham Lincoln’s remarkable life. Above all, there is also a need for passion
and trust in the mission that each one sets out to fulfill.