Abraham Lincoln Leadership Essay

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Throughout history there have been many great leaders. Many leaders who have changed the shape of America and also soldiers of today’s Army. One leader that comes to mind and has shaped me into the leader I am today is Abraham Lincoln. When I look at Abraham Lincoln and what he has done, I think of what Army Leadership manual ADRP 6-22 defines what a leader should be and how leadership is based off of attributes and competencies.
Abraham Lincoln was born in Kentucky into a family of poverty. Lincoln’s father was not able to read or write while his mother on the other hand was able to do both. While young Lincoln was lent out to local neighbors to assist on their farm land and because of this he had little to no schooling. Due to being molded by lost; Lincoln had developed compassion and concern for others. This right here shows how Lincoln had empathy for others, one of the foundations an Army leaders character.
According to Kearns Goodwin, Lincoln was considered a self taught man. Everywhere Lincoln went he had a book with him. Lincoln learned trades of boatman, clerk, merchant, postmaster, surveyor and country lawyer all by reading books and newspapers. Lincoln would read and re-read law books until her fully understood them. Lincoln wrote to a student seeking advice from him, “Life was a school to him and he was always studying and mastering every subject before him.” Lincoln also stated “Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any one thing.” This right here shows how Lincoln had a herculean feat of self-creation and how he had a thirst for Technical and Tactful Knowledge.
According to Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln, Lincoln was able to listen to different vi...

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.... When I rehash the legacy that Lincoln left on this country and myself, I find myself contemplating how would I like to have my soldiers remember me as. I want my soldiers to remember me as a leader who cared for them, who were able to teach them how to do things they never believed they could do before and how I was able to get the mission accomplished. I would want my soldiers to think of how I understood their concerns and how compassionate I was. I want them to remember how I was able to sympathize with their emotions and give credit where credit was deserved and how I was equal to all and a great communicator.
As leaders and fellow soldiers, it is up to us to make sure our soldiers and friends live out our legacy. It is up to us we train them well enough so they are able to train the next war fighter generation and think back how we accomplished the mission.

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