In honor of Presidents’ Day, I wanted to share some great food for thought I learned from HMA Book Club’s February book, How to Win Friends and Influence People in the Digital Age – Act Like Abe!
Of course, I am referring to Honest Abe Lincoln.
The next time you find yourself stressed, panicked and/or under the gun, just think about his situation:
- The day he took office, several southern states ceded from the Union
- When the Civil War broke out, many assumed he and the north would win in five days, but the war dredged on for more than five years
- If the war was to end, eventually the North and South would have to become the “United” States of America again
I am getting hives just thinking about the daily stress in his life.viagra online And how did he handle it?
Like a true leader, he never outwardly showed his fluster:
- In one of his first speeches after taking office, he gently reminded the remaining states in the Union that “…Though passion may have strained, it must not break our bonds of affection…”
- When faced with enemies, he would comment: “I do not like that man. I must get to know him better.”
- After his death, a letter to General Meade was found among his belongings giving a written brow-beating to the general who made a significant error in letting General Lee get away during a key battle, prolonging the war several more years. It was never sent.
Now think back to your situation.
Are you able to take a few steps back, a deep breath and employ any of President Lincoln’s communications strategies above to help both yourself and your audience to calm the storm rather than stroke it?
Great leaders, even those without grand titles in history-changing moments, are able to do this, the book asserts.
So can you! But, will you?
Being able to take a step back, take a breath or whatever one might need can sure help reduce irrational decisons. One of my favorite places is the Lincoln Monument in Washington, D.C. There is an umistakable, powerful vibe of what he did to save our country from itself.
You stole my blog thunder! Abe Lincoln, or the “Master Persuader”, set the bar high for future presidents, leaders and PR professionals. A game changer for political campaigns and highlighted the importance of public opinion.
My favorite take away from this post – “I do not like that man. I must get to know him better.” Definitely going to incorporate that idea into my life.
Great post!