Encourage Innovation
Not only bring change but also catalyst for change
Lincoln knew he would have to rebuild and reorganize the government and its armed forces.
Change was needed to take place immediately
Lincoln helped the change happen by creating an atmosphere of entrepreneurship that fostered innovative techniques
Got things moving
Also gained commitment from people excited about seeing their ideas implemented
“More than one way to skin a cat”
Wasn’t about methodology
Created climate of risk taking and innovation
Allowed for mistakes, but if generals weren’t making mistakes than they weren’t moving
What is a time you made a mistake that helped you move forward?
“If you never try, then you shall never succeed”
He never attacked his subordinates for a loss in battle—rather gave them support and encouragement
Countless accounts of going to defeated generals after a battle and in the field offered his full support.
The last thing he wanted was a brooding or depressed leader who lost his verve and could fight no more.
How do you come alongside youth when they mess up—pregnancy
Treated his subordinates as equals—worked in joint effort
Had enough confidence in himself—not threatened by skillful generals
Didn’t surround himself with “yes” men
Rather people who knew their stuff so he could learn stuff
Learn from people and their experiences, success, and failures
Do you allow yourself to learn from other leaders, kids, etc. How can you allow yourself to learn from them?
The best leaders never stop learning—be willing to learn from everyone
Lincoln was naturally inquisitive—loved to learn new things, so he was unusually innovative and thought outside the box
Encouraged and expected this same creative and resourceful behavior from his subordinates
Favorite stores, that was designed to encourage people to innovate, to take action on their own initiative, without waiting for orders was this:
Swearing story
Years before assuming the...