Lincoln portrays the great president’s struggle to ratify the 13th amendment—which, if passed, would ban slavery in the United States everywhere and for all time. The film also depicts the diversity of perspectives among the members of Lincoln’s cabinet, whom he had chosen precisely for that reason and masterfully illustrates Lincoln’s skills as a diplomat, leader, and communicator. It is based upon a section of Doris Goodwin’s Pulitzer Prize-winning historical work Team of Rivals.
Instructions: Assess the overall leadership of Abraham Lincoln as depicted in the film based upon what you have learned about leadership ethics so far from our course textbook and upon what you may have learned about the subject from other sources. Some questions to consider:
• How did Lincoln utilize Leadership Language (Chapter 3) to mobilize support in favor of the 13th amendment’s ratification? Specifically analyze Lincoln’s tone and style—was he able to create a positive ethos? In what ways did Lincoln make his communication especially memorable and persuasive?
• In what specific ways did Lincoln demonstrate emotional intelligence? How did his interpersonal skills make him an effective leader? (Chapter 8). What about his nonverbal communication skills…were there points in the film in which Lincoln’s nonverbals improved his communication effectiveness?
• What types of conflict existed between Lincoln, his cabinet officials, members of Congress, etc.? How did Lincoln manage these conflicts to keep them from spiraling out of control? (Chapter 10)
For additional context and possible writing ideas, check out these web sites:
https://rainbows.typepad.com/blog/2012/11/steven-spielberg-movie-abraham-lincoln-lessons-insights-leadership-storytelling.html
https://www.inc.com/hitendra-wadhwa/lessons-in-leadership-how-abraham-lincoln-became-americas-greatest-president.html
https://hbr.org/2009/04/leadership-lessons-from-abraham-lincoln
