I am a great admirer of our 16th president. Not only was Abraham Lincoln an inspired leader and a thoughtful man, it seems that he would have made an impressive business coach as well! Following are some quotes from Honest Abe and my brief thoughts on the marketing and management lessons he alludes to.
"I don't think much of a man who is not wiser than he was yesterday."
Education was very important to Lincoln and should be important to anyone who intends to be successful in today's world. Ongoing education is one of the hallmarks of great leaders. Education can take many forms, from formal studies to reading a lot to 'ciphering on the back of a coal shovel by the light of the fire.
“Things may come to those who wait, but only things left by those who hustle.”
Lincoln is encouraging us to make our own destiny, to not leave things to fate. As a self-made man, it is natural that Lincoln would have an affinity for those who blaze their own paths; for those who hustle.
“Give me six hours to chop down a tree, and I will spend the first four hours sharpening the axe.”
Preparation, preparation, preparation! Just as a sharp axe makes cutting down a tree easier, preparation and planning makes problems smaller (or non-existent) and challenges surmountable.
“That some achieve great success, is proof to all the others can achieve it as well.”
This is one of his quotes that speaks directly to entrepreneurs. With this quote, Lincoln seems to be saying that if it is achievable, anyone can achieve it.
"We can complain because rose bushes have thorns, or rejoice because thorn bushes have roses."
How we look at an issue makes all the difference in how we address it.
"If I were two-faced, would I be wearing this one?"
Humor can be disarming in a conflict situation. I imagine that Lincoln said this in response to some accusation about his honesty.
"I destroy my enemies when I make them my friends."
Whether it is people or obstacles to achieving your goals, it is better to embrace the challenge than to hide from it.
“My great concern is not whether you have failed, but whether you are content with your failure.”
If every leader and every manager said this to each of her employees (and meant it!), it would change the way workers see their work and their place of employment. To feel safe to try new things and possibly fail with impunity, can increase staff innovation, dedication and morale. Failing at something is ok, Lincoln tells us, as long as that failure bothers you and motivates you to try again and try harder.
"Human action can be modified to some extent, but human nature cannot be changed."
This quote speaks to an essential truth about marketing. Marketing that tries to change or force people into actions that are against their nature is bound to fail. Marketing that gently nudges people in a particular direction is much more effective.
“And in the end, it is not the years in your life that count, it is the life in your years.”
What more can I say to that!
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