Can you give up pride and the need to dominate for the sake of something greater? This question appears wherever power begins\u2014and it almost always creates discomfort. Few people are willing to say \u201cI don\u2019t know\u201d and ask for help from those who do not support them. And yet, history offers such a case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He came from a poor family, and his formal education lasted barely a year. That did not stop him from acquiring knowledge that impressed even his opponents: law, rhetoric, public speaking, history, topography, and military strategy. He taught himself all of it\u2014often late at night, when others had long since closed their books. It required time and persistence, but that consistency began to pay off. It became especially visible during his debates with Stephen Douglas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Abraham Lincoln won the U.S. presidential election in 1860. For many, it came as a surprise. He was not the most recognisable candidate, though he was known as one of the most well-read. A statesman\u2014but one marked by humility. That became clear soon after he took office. He had defeated the strongest and most popular rivals. Many of them did not respect him. Some actively plotted against him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nIf I tried to read all the criticism directed at me, I might as well close my office and do something else. I do what I think is best, as well as I can\u2014and I intend to keep doing so to the end.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Working with rivals: an unexpected strategy<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
After his victory, many expected the obvious move: remove opponents and surround himself with loyal allies. Lincoln chose a different path. Instead of revenge, he chose cooperation.<\/strong> Instead of loyalty<\/a>, he chose competence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He brought into his closest circle William H. Seward, Salmon P. Chase, and Edward Bates\u2014independent, ambitious figures who often openly disagreed with him. Difficult partners. Yet he entrusted them with key positions and real influence over state decisions. It was a conscious decision\u2014a way to manage conflict without escalating it.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
He invited his critics into power<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Despite difficult beginnings and strained relationships, Lincoln\u2019s collaborators proved effective. It required effort on both sides\u2014and clear boundaries set by the president.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Over time, conflict gave way to respect. And the true beneficiary was not the politicians themselves, but the country\u2014the United States.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nThe legitimate object of government is to do for a community what they need done, but cannot do at all, or cannot so well do for themselves\u2026 In all that the people can individually do as well for themselves, government ought not to interfere.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
A different way of thinking about success<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
This approach\u2014working with rivals<\/strong> instead of eliminating them\u2014set Lincoln apart from many leaders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n