Happy Presidents Day. Even though there is no day off for most, this weekend roundup goes out to leaders in all arenas—public office and business. Some of history’s greatest heroes led from the Oval Office, and we’re offering leadership cues from Abraham Lincoln. And, we’ve gone a bit further afield this week, to the 50-yard line and Chipotle’s serving line. Leadership lessons can come from anywhere—it’s up to us to apply them.
Inc.: Lessons in Leadership: How Abraham Lincoln Became America’s Greatest President
It’s often said that the times make the man, but in the case of Abraham Lincoln, the reverse is true as well—the man made the times. What was Lincoln’s greatest strength? One writer posits that it was his self-discipline and his constant desire to improve himself. The focus of his self-improvement was not his physical condition or his bank account; rather, it was the words that he could employ to drive a point home. Mastery of language and self-discipline—the traits that shaped America’s greatest leader are still beneficial to business leaders and politicians today. And, they are within reach.
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Inc.: The Art of the Management Huddle
As a leader, you have to meet with the team. However, meetings that drag on or are unfocused are the death of your reputation and your team’s enthusiasm. There are many better ways, but this management technique—pulling from football strategies—seems especially apropos at this time of year.
Seth Godin: “I’ve got this”
Do you care enough to take responsibility as a person, and especially as a leader?
Tim Sackett: Chipotle’s HR just had a major screw up
Leadership—it’s all on you. The victories are shared with the team, and the missteps are yours alone. Chipotle recently stumbled, and the question is, will you repeat the mistake, or will you learn from it? (We know not everyone will deal with the nororvirus and E. coli, but everyone will have a choice on how to respond to a publicity nightmare in one form or another.) Sackett offers his advice.