Lead Like Lincoln
"Lead Like Lincoln"
There is a quote in Paul Solarz “Learn Like A Pirate” (2015, p. 14) that reads “Pirates don’t give up when the wind blows them off course; they adjust their sails and continue toward their destination”. This is who I am & whom I believe Lincoln was. Lincoln’s mother died when he was young. Both my parents suffered from health and mental health issues. Lincoln didn’t have consistent access to an education, so he taught himself. He was defeated in his first attempt to run for public office and lost three times in his bid for the U.S. Senate. But he preserved. Nothing in my life has ever come easy and seeing Lincoln not collapse under the weight of all life threw at him inspires me. He used every piece of adversity laid at his feet to strengthen himself to his next goal. He was a man determined to learn from everything that came his way, even if the lesson was painful and heartbreaking. Life is a series of lessons that present opportunities. Wisdom comes from making the most of each one.
Lincoln once said “The worst things you can do for those you love are the things that they can and should do for themselves”. This lesson is so important for educators and parents. It’s natural to want to shield our students and children from anything that would cause them to hurt, suffer, or be uncomfortable. However, some degree of pain is necessary for a person to become suited for the responsibilities that lie ahead. As it relates to the culture and climate within our schools, we must establish a fail forward mindset in our teachers and students. It’s ok to fail. It’s through our failures that we grow as learners and as people.
One of Lincoln’s most famous quotes includes the line “with malice toward none”. With all that was taking place in the time that Lincoln said those words he was concerned that no one should carry resentment, grudges, or ill will toward anyone for any disagreement. Think about that for a minute. Think about how this mindset can shape the culture and climate of a school. The compassion for people that he had, even people that he disagreed with, is a reminder for me as a school leader and as a man to lead and live from the same value.
Lincoln truly cared about the opinions of people and he truly cared about the outcome of those opinions. Furthermore, he treated people with respect so they would continue to offer those opinions. He had a genuine concern for people issues and people. Lincoln sought diverse opinions and advice, even bringing in his former political rivals in attempt to harness their energies for a common purpose. He always acted with loyalty and honor and found himself catching “more flies with honey” as the saying goes. As you build a climate and culture within your school you must value everyone’s voice. Having a genuine interest in people and issues and having the willingness to listen to all viewpoints, even those that differ from your own, will make your school better. Establishing the climate and culture where people are not afraid to share their viewpoint and creating the space for those viewpoints to be shared also makes your school better.
Abraham Lincoln is one of the people I admire the most and he is a leader whose example I try to follow every day. Mr. Lincoln is a leader who established the culture and climate for significant change to occur in our country just as I hope to do so in our schools.
Who inspires you?
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