Suzan Svatek

I’m going to be covering the book, “Lincoln on Leadership”, by Donald T. Phillips. It is an extraordinary accounting of Lincoln’s leadership style.

Chapter 1: Get Out of the Office and Circulate Among the Troops.

In management, so often you feel so busy and overwhelmed, circulating among the “troops” seems like a waste of time. However, it may be the greatest tool you have to develop loyalty and camaraderie. Lincoln was constantly out and about visiting with generals, cabinet members and his staff. He met them in their offices as well as in their homes. During the Civil War, he would frequently sleep at the War Department’s telegraph room waiting for messages from his soldiers in the field. His objective was to stay in touch with them, as well as, make quick decisions to be relayed back to his generals. He also visited members of Congress, and toured hospitals visiting the sick and wounded. He understood the value of his troops. He would frequently travel to the front lines of the War and visit with the soldiers. This raised morale and developed a sense of unity.

Lincoln would offer advice in the form of a suggestion. He rarely gave “orders”. His objective was to have the other person feel like it was his own decision. This developed ownership of decisions and thus, commitment. He knew that without loyalty and commitment, he would not win the war.

He was a master story teller, frequently giving advice in the form of a story, allowing the other person to draw their own conclusions from their individual experience. Lincoln was a very strong leader through gentle prodding, suggestions and story telling. He disliked strong-arming people. His personable leadership style made friends of even his greatest, most outspoken critics.

He was knowledgeable and made expeditious decisions based on facts. He was meticulous in his quest for facts. Both as a young lawyer and then as President, he stayed on top of the lastest developments, knew the laws and frequently reviewed the latest weaponry for his troops. Lincoln wanted only the best and latest technology for his soldiers.

Lincoln’s Principles:

· “Explain yourself in writing and offer advice on how to solve problems.
· It is important that the people know you come among them without fear.
· Seek casual contact with your subordinates. It is as meaningful as a formal gathering, if not more so.
· Don’t often decline to see people who call on you.
· Take public opinion baths.
· Be the very embodiment of good temper and affability.
· Remember, everyone likes a compliment
· If your subordinates can stand it, so can you. Set a good example
· You must seek and require access to reliable and up-to-date information.”

This applies to your Network Marketing business.

1. Be personable, approachable and available to your people when they need you.
2. Stay on top of the latest technology and tools.
3. Make decisions based on facts. Stay honest and upfront with your team.
4. Talk to your people even when you don’t need something – develop that relationship.
5. “Remember, everyone likes a compliment.”
6. Don’t just delegate; practice what you preach.

At Mentoring for Free, we teach you leadership and management skills. We have 10 free live training calls each week, open to everyone, in any business. The trainings are generic and do not mention products or companies. It is a safe place to learn.

If you would like to learn more about how Network Marketing really works, leadership and management for your team, download this free Ebook at: http://www.mentoringformlm.com.

If you have any questions please call me. If I don’t know the answer, I will find it for you through our team of great mentors.

“Every person is a new door to a different world.”

Wishing you a Life Filled with Joy and Friendships,
Suzan Svatek
817-441-1516
suzansvatek@yahoo.com

http://www.mentoringformlm.com

It was a comfortable, breezy November afternoon in North Texas. 12 of our family members had gathered at the cemetery in rememberance of my Dad who had passed away 1 year ago. Mother was there in her wheel chair since she now has mobility issues. Needless to say, it was very emotional for her.

Before gathering at the cemetery we had all met at a local restaurant for a late lunch. On the way to the cemetery we stopped at a liquor store and picked up some Pearl (brand) beer, my Dad’s favorite. He had drank Pearl beer for as long as I could remember. He would kick back on the weekend and have a few while watching the Cowboys play, or just because.

He was a sheet metal worker and was on his feet all day on a hard cement floor. Sitting with his feet up, usually with shoes off, in his recliner, having a Pearl beer was one of his favorite things to do.

We all stood around the cemetery plot sharing funny memories. One of them was about his evening “bathroom” ritual. Since he was raising 3 teenaged daughters and a son, in a 2 bedroom house with 1 bathroom, he didn’t get much time in the bathroom. On several occasions, he would step outside in the dark and relieve himself. Mother would think he was tending to the dog and turn on the outside flood lights. He would pound on the side of the house hollering “Hey….turn out that light!” Poor guy, no peace even outside.

After sharing stories, we each took a can of beer, popped the top and toasted my Dad for a life well lived. (None of us cared to actually drink the beer.) Then we each ceremoniously poured our can over the top of his grave, so he too could once more enjoy his beer.

I guess you could say we are a bit red-neck. And Dad was proud of that. He was a simple man, hard working, loving, with very basic needs and wants. All he really wanted was a roof over our heads, kids and wife well fed, clothes on our backs, basic transportation and an occasional weekend off.

He was a WWII Vet, serving as an anti-aircraft gunner with a small contingent of men who drove around the countryside spotting enemy aircraft and shooting them down. They had no protection. He was in 5 major battles toward the end of the war in Europe. He was only 17 went he enlisted. He sent his allottment checks to his Mother and when enough money had been saved, Dad bought his parents the first house they ever owned.

He and my Mother married when she was only 15, he was 21. They knew each other for 5 days before they married. It lasted 63 years. They raised 3 daughters and a son. They had 8 grandchildren, and 6 great-grandchildren when he passed away. (One more great-granddaughter since then).

So here’s to you Dad for a life “WELL LIVED” and loved by many.