Leadership Lessons from Lincoln: What Team of Rivals Teaches Us About Leading Today
- Karen Atiles
- Apr 29
- 5 min read
What does it take to lead through conflict, hold space for differing opinions, and still move forward with unity and conviction?
Doris Kearns Goodwin has been one of my go-to authors when it comes to studying leadership through the lens of history. The first book I read by her, Leadership in Turbulent Times, offered insight into how Lincoln and other presidents led through national crises. But in Team of Rivals, Goodwin brings to life one of Lincoln’s most surprising and strategic leadership choices: he built his Cabinet out of the very people who once ran against him. These weren’t close allies, instead they were former competitors, each with their own ambitions and egos.
Instead of seeing them as threats, Lincoln saw their value. He understood that surrounding himself with strong, diverse thinkers, even opposing ones, would strengthen his leadership and help unify a deeply divided country. It wasn’t about control, it was about collaboration, humility, and staying focused on a higher purpose.
In an era when organizations face rapid change, polarized workforces, and growing mental fatigue, Lincoln’s leadership principles aren’t just relevant, they’re necessary. Leadership Lessons from Lincoln: Five Key Principles for Modern Leaders:
1. Lead with Humility and Confidence
Lincoln’s decision to include his former rivals in his Cabinet wasn’t a one-time act of unity, it was a reflection of how he led every day. He didn’t need to be the loudest voice in the room or prove he was the smartest. Instead, he asked good questions, gave others space to lead, and made decisions with quiet confidence rooted in purpose. His humility wasn’t a lack of strength; it was the foundation of it.
Put it into practice: Think about the last time you faced a high-stakes situation. Did you default to control or lean into collaboration? Confident leaders don’t need to have all the answers, they create environments where others feel empowered to contribute. Practice balancing strength with curiosity and watch how your team begins to rise with you.
2. Practice Emotional Intelligence
Lincoln’s empathy was a superpower. He read people well, responded with compassion, and knew when to speak and when to stay silent. His ability to manage emotions, his own and others’, allowed him to unify people under extraordinary stress. Emotional intelligence isn’t soft; it’s strategic. Especially now, as leaders are called to care for their teams’ well-being while delivering results.
Put it into practice: Start by tuning into your own emotional patterns. What triggers frustration or withdrawal? Then, become a student of your team: notice energy shifts, ask thoughtful questions, and check in regularly. Model vulnerability when appropriate and remember that empathy doesn't require fixing, just presence.
3. Anchor in Purpose
Lincoln never lost sight of his “why.” Preserving the Union and ending slavery were not just political goals, they were moral imperatives. Purpose anchored his decision-making. In today’s organizations, people want to know that their leaders are driven by values, not just quarterly goals. Purpose builds trust, and trust builds buy-in.
Put it into practice: Revisit your organization's mission and your personal leadership mission. Are your decisions aligned with them? When introducing new goals or changes, connect them back to a larger purpose. When people understand how their daily efforts contribute to something meaningful, they’re more motivated and resilient.
Unlike many of his rivals, who were overly confident and alienated members of their own party, Lincoln remained clear and consistent in his anti-slavery stance while maintaining relationships with people across ideological lines. He didn’t antagonize, instead he invited conversation. His steady persistence, paired with his ability to build bridges rather than burn them, ultimately led to victory. That kind of conviction, rooted in purpose and connection, is exactly what today’s leaders need.
4. Listen First, Lead Second
One of Lincoln’s most remarkable traits was his willingness to listen, deeply and often to opposition. He didn’t just tolerate opposing views; he sought them out. In today’s fast-moving environments, leaders who pause to listen before reacting build stronger teams and make more informed decisions.
Put it into practice: In your next team meeting, resist the urge to jump in with your perspective. Instead, ask a thoughtful question and let others speak first. Practice active listening and then reflect back what you heard before offering solutions. Over time, this creates a culture of psychological safety, where people feel seen and heard.
5. Remain Resilient
Lincoln led through the Civil War, lost a son while in office, and faced relentless criticism from the public and press. Yet he remained focused and steady. His resilience wasn’t about suppressing emotion, it was about staying aligned with his mission, adapting as needed, and never losing hope.
Put it into practice: Build your resilience muscle by identifying your personal “anchors”, the habits, people, and beliefs that ground you during hard times. Normalize setbacks as part of the leadership journey, and practice reframing challenges as opportunities to grow stronger. Share stories of resilience with your team, they’ll follow your example more than your words.
If you're not sure where your own resilience stands, or which areas could use strengthening, the Intentional Resilience Assessment is a great place to start. It evaluates eight key domains of resilience, from stress management to social support, and offers personalized feedback to help you lead with greater clarity, strength, and intention. Because leadership in turbulent times requires more than just endurance, it requires intentional growth.
Why Lincoln Still Matters
What struck me most while reading Team of Rivals wasn’t just how Lincoln led, it was how relevant his leadership still is. He reminds us that true strength is found in empathy, vision, humility, and resilience. Whether you’re leading a business, a nonprofit, or a small team, the lessons from Lincoln’s Cabinet can help you navigate today’s turbulence with greater clarity and courage.
Who Should Read Team of Rivals?
This book is for anyone who leads, aspires to lead, or influences others. Whether you’re a CEO navigating team dynamics, a nonprofit director building coalitions, a public servant facing high-stakes decisions, or simply someone interested in what moral courage looks like in action, Team of Rivals offers timeless lessons.
It’s especially relevant for:
Leaders in times of crisis or transition
Professionals seeking to understand emotional intelligence in action
Entrepreneurs who need to build strong, diverse teams
Change-makers who want to lead with conviction and humility
If you want to lead with purpose, embrace healthy conflict, and grow your resilience, Team of Rivals belongs on your bookshelf, and in your leadership toolbox. You can get your copy
Closing Reflection
As I turned the final pages of the book, I was struck not only by how Lincoln led, but also by the tragedy of his assassination. His life was cut short just as the nation began to heal. And yet, even in death, Lincoln’s legacy reminds us: the most enduring leaders are not those who seek power for its own sake, but those who elevate others, stay anchored in purpose, and lead with heart.
So the question becomes: What kind of leadership legacy are you building?
If you’re gaining value from this series, stay tuned: our next blog will be on ‘Poor Charlie’s Almanack’ by Charlie Munger.
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