Doris Kearns Goodwin, Team of Rivals and T. Harry Williams, Lincoln and his Generals

Doris Kearns Goodwin, Team of Rivals and T. Harry Williams, Lincoln and his Generals

It was interesting to read these two books, with similar themes, but considering Lincoln from different perspectives. Lincoln and his Generals was written in 1952, and Team of Rivals was written in 2007.

Doris Kearns Goodwin is my favorite writer and she didn’t disappoint in this one. I had not read any books by Williams before, and I greatly enjoyed his book.

The overlying theme of the books was that the “no action” Generals was Lincoln’s biggest problem in the war between the states.

This theme was a major them several years ago with Peters and his “bias for action” being the mark of a successful Manager or Leader.

The war between the states actually developed the first modern Command Structure in the military and this also strongly influenced management.

Lincoln was involved in the strategy, but he listened to the experts (sometimes to a fault). He let them decide up to a point, but he learned he had to make the final decision.

I think the books also pointed out the importance of knowing your objectives. It was pointed out that the Generals’ wanted to “occupy territory” while Lincoln knew the actual objective was to destroy the Confederate Army. I think that is a sign of a leader that I have tried to be much more conscious of since reading the books-KNOW YOUR OBJECTIVE!

Lincoln also successfully used blame lightly and praise greatly.

Lincoln realized that his rivals for the Presidency were also the “best and the brightest”, and he appointed them as his Team (generally he co-opted them and made them part of a Team, although he continually had to use a lot of energy and good-will to calm the turf-wars.)

He didn’t hold a grudge, and used his appointments (both of his Team and his Generals) for Political support as well as good administration. He was very aware of the politics of his decisions.

I was amazed at the persistence of Lincoln in resolving problems and how long he stood by his Team and the Generals.

Lincoln measured the success of his Generals by action and “winning battles”. I think any City Manager can look at that as criteria, in the sense that “battles” are problems or completion of project. It was interesting to learn that some of the worst Generals were the most eloquent letter writers.

Lincoln learned from his mistakes. He listened to his experts, but in the end, he made his own decision, even if at times he probably waited too long.

Both of these books had a major impact for me. I made notes to review daily on some of the lessons, ahave repeated the examples, most which have been very effective