The Lincoln Leadership Code: How to Stay Steady in the Storm

Two things I deeply admire about Lincoln—he never let the pressure of his role pull him off assignment, and he carried the weight of history with a surprising sense of humor. Even when accused of being two-faced, his wit cut through: “If I had another face, do you think I’d be wearing this one?” That kind of self-awareness and humility, even in the crucible of conflict, reveals something powerful. Lincoln saw people with a sage-like irony—wise, weathered, and still compassionate. That’s the leadership lesson: can you stay focused, keep your ego in check, and hold onto joy even when the heat is on?