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A best selling author of major works of nonfiction, Don Phillips is known for his ability to tell stories and bring history alive with crisp compelling prose. His first book, Lincoln on Leadership, paved the way toward the creation of an entire new genre of books on historical leadership.

Phillips to cover Lincoln, leadership

By Allison Bleeker GVL Staff Writer
1/28/2009

As the president who led the U.S. through the Civil War, preserved the Union and helped end slavery, Abraham Lincoln may just be one of the most respected and remembered men in history.

As the date of Lincoln's birth approaches, Grand Valley State University will host a celebration to honor Lincoln and his achievements.

Born to uneducated farmers, living in a log cabin and having only 18 months of formal schooling throughout his childhood, it may seem unlikely that someone from Lincoln's background would ever become president.

"The nation is celebrating the 200th anniversary of Lincoln's birth, and this event is getting a lot of attention because it was so improbable he would become president," said Gleaves Whitney, director of the Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies.

"Lincoln on Leadership: Contemporary Lessons from a Legendary Leader" will examine Lincoln's diverse leadership abilities and how they can be applied to today's complex world.

The event will feature a talk by Donald Phillips, author of 20 books, including "Lincoln on Leadership: Executive Strategies for Tough Times."

"We wanted to focus on someone who knew a lot about Lincoln," Whitney said. "Don Phillips is a best-selling author who started a whole genre of books about great leaders and their qualities. President (Thomas J.) Haas has great respect for Phillips and thinks very highly of him."

Phillips' book focuses on Lincoln's leadership and management style, and advocates that leadership is made of building blocks that are teachable.

"I am actually reading the book now, and it's timeless," said Mandi Bird, Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies event planner. "It talks about many skills people should have to become a better leader."

The book is divided into sections about people, character, endeavor and communication, with each section focusing on leadership skills in that area.

"People who go to college for a bachelor's or master's degree want to lead and have a keen eye for community service," Whitney said. "These people will be called on throughout their careers to lead, and will be expected to lead because of their degree. It is important to acquire the skills of leadership when you are young."

Anyone can relate to Lincoln and his leadership strategies because of his humble beginnings, and anyone hoping to learn more about leadership and who wants to acquire the skills needed to be a leader should attend this event, Whitney said.

"We hope this will teach the importance of leadership skills and raise awareness of what leadership skills are needed to get things done," he said. "Lincoln taught himself many leadership skills. Anybody can relate to Lincoln no matter what their station, be it Black or White, rich or poor. Surely they can relate to a person who didn't have any resources to help him out, but had a vision for this country."

Bird also said the talk will help people understand and relate to Lincoln better.

"People put Lincoln on a pedestal because he was such a good president," she said. "But the book shows he wasn't perfect, so it can help people realize they don't have to be perfect to attain great leadership skills."

"Lincoln on Leadership: Contemporary Lessons from a Legendary Leader" will take place today at 7 p.m. in the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum Auditorium, located at 303 Pearl St. NW. The event is free of charge, but students must register as seating is limited.

ableeker@lanthorn.com

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