Leadership Lessons from Abraham Lincoln Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Leadership Lessons from Abraham Lincoln - Article Example This article was published in the April 2009 issue of Harvard Business Review. The article includes an interview conducted between the author of the article and Doris Kearns Goodwin, who is the author of a 2005 bestseller book. The author has developed the interview by asking various questions relating to how President Abraham Lincoln was the best president America has ever seen and what made him develop such good qualities of leadership. Goodwin has also replied quite well to the questions asked and has quoted various examples along with presenting similarities and the dissimilarities between Abraham Lincoln and President Obama. The article is based on a number of insights, the basic one being that the lessons of leadership that were learned from Abraham Lincoln can not only be applied to the political viewpoint but also has the capacity to be utilized in other fields of life. Goodwin brings to the audience’s attention that both the former and current presidents always prefer those people who are best at what they do regardless of their dislikes towards the president himself. The basic purpose of choosing such colleagues was to work with people who had the ability to disagree and argue with the president at times when he was considered wrong. The next key concept that has been discussed in the interview is that even though the colleagues question our decisions and thinking regarding the situation, at the end of the day it is the leader who has to make the decisions and stand firm on that decision. The author quotes an example regarding the abolishment of slavery in the United States where many cabinet members opposed Lincoln but he made his decisions on what he felt was right. The author talks about other characteristics of Abraham Lincoln such as his emotional intelligence, which allowed him to learn from his mistakes, his charisma that made him loved by all even his competitors and

Sandy Springs Community Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Sandy Springs Community - Essay Example I live in Sandy Springs, Georgia, a city full of life and robust business. Under the clear skyline on a sunny day, Sandy Springs has a spectacular view. The city has towering buildings that forms offices and business space. It is due to the high number of offices and business premises in the city, that Sandy Springs is always a buzz with activity. I am a Catholic, an astute follower of Christian doctrines. For four years, I played basketball in high school, winning different medals in different basketball competitions. I count myself as a motivational force to the young people, especially those who have the passion of pursuing sports as a career. Through my basketball talent, I was able to tour different places within and around Sandy Springs. Therefore, I frequently join them in our local church’s pitch and provide them with free training on how to become a successful basketball player. I also play the piano in my church, as well as take part in different social work. Sandy S prings has different hospitals, treating people with different kinds of sicknesses or injuries. Annually, I donate blood to these hospitals, with the knowledge that I play a big role in saving other people’s lives. Sandy Springs has different kinds of people. Wealth, education, career, religion and beliefs divide people into different classes and groups. Wealthy Sandy Springs dwellers substantially differ with the poor. Lifestyle is one of the differentiating factors between the dwellers. Although religion and beliefs play a significant role in differentiating people in Sandy Springs, its impact is rarely, felt like that brought about by the wealthy and the rich in the society. A common belief among the people in Sandy Springs, which doubles as a Christianity belief is the equality of all people before God. Thus, we do not judge people according to their religion. While Christianity is the dominant religion, Islam is also popular. Still, a section of Indians living in the city believes in Hinduism. There is also a temple somewhere at the middle of the city, where Jews worship. Churches are all over, with some of the newest established ministries and others, which have existed over a long time. No form of personality or character defines people in Sandy Springs in relation to their beliefs and religion. Most people in Sandy Springs city work in offices; others own different businesses in the city. This forms the class difference between the rich and the poor, as successful business owners have more wealth than the working class. There is no equitable distribution of wealth in the community. The richest people who live in the suburbs have better lifestyles than those living in the heavily populated estates. Down town, Sandy Springs is a buzz with all kinds of business, while the uptown has a cool and serene environment. These people afford to live in expensive homesteads, with guards and alarms connected to the police station. They enjoy personalized services like the EMS, have towering walls to themselves and receive reliable services such as internet connectivity, among others. Serenity defines these areas, with more vegetation cover in the surroundings, springs and grass . These are however the few minority with resounding influence in either the business or political classes in Sandy Springs. They take their children to good schools, can afford the best cars, wine and dine in prestigious hotels and restaurants. Rarely does the rich class take a bus to work, or wait for the train. Their children drive to school, of course in expensive cars just like their parents. Contrary to these people is the working class, which either takes a bus to work or boards the morning train. Their children afford to skate to school, or ride, but cannot drive. Even if they drove, their cars match less with those of the rich. They go to the general schools, with minimal specialization in the kind of learning they provide. These people live in the populated neighborhoods, with little security.