Recently I just finished a book about Lincoln: “Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln” by Doris Kearns Goodwin. I really enjoyed it. It focuses on Lincoln’s first election, starting with his race for nomination in the Republican National Convention, through assassination. The main thrust of the book is Lincoln’s decision to, instead of surrounding himself with friends and yes-men, choose all of his election rivals as his Presidential Cabinet. I talks about the challenges of having this team of enemies working together – the hardships and the successes. Not all of the original Cabinet worked out in the end. Some were replaced while there are others, such as Secretary of State William H. Seward, who learned how to work through the differences and, despite underlying hostilities, established friendships and a camaraderie that helped sustain the Union through a difficult war period.

It shows how hard Lincoln strived to try to make things work out and what his decision process was when thing did not. It shows a different side to the American Civil War and the minds behind those in command in Washington as they do all they can to hold the country together by a thread. The book really helps you understand the humanity of the man behind “President Lincoln.”

Also, it really challenged the way I think about leadership. Common today is a mindset that you have to surround yourself with people like-minded so that decisions can be made and “everyone can be on board.” It’s a concept that has been seen whether in the choices of past Presidents, company or organization leaders, political or religious leaders, etc. The book challenges that mindset in that you actually can bring a team of rivals together and, though it is a great struggle in the start, make it work. In the end, after the initial arguments and headaches and pains of fusion, real respect, accountability, and balanced decision-making can result. I suppose it strengthens the ancient saying, “Keep your friends close and your enemies closer,” but not for the original intent. Keeping your enemies close can actually strengthen yourself, your leadership, and your administration because you have ideas coming from all different angles and biases so you can see reality in a much broader scope.

Anyway, in honor of Lincoln’s birthday I do suggest you go out and get this book and read it. I think most people would enjoy it – not just political or leadership enthusiasts. It’s not too long and the story never really drags. In addition I learned a whole lot more about the Civil War and the Lincoln assassination that I never learned throughout all of my education.

You can find the book on Amazon here or in audiobook format via Audible here. I read the book on Audible and do suggest that format.

As a special, if you are not yet an Audible subscriber, you can email me at whartz@me.com or @reply me on Twitter with the phrase “I love Abraham Lincoln!” I’ll send you link for a special discount on the Audible audiobook of Team of Rivals.

Enjoy!