I am reading a fascinating book, A Team of Rivals, by Doris Kearns Goodwin. It is about the political genius of Abraham Lincoln. I highly recommend the book for anyone who wants to study interpersonal skill, leadership, emotional intelligence and communication.

One of the events recounted in the book is the state legislature balloting in 1855 to determine one of the U.S. Senators from the State of Illinois. (This was when the state legislatures still elected the U.S. Senators. They would continue rounds of balloting until one candidate reached the necessary number, which, in this case was 51.) As the balloting progressed, Lincoln reached 47 votes. However, the supporters for Congressman Lyman Trumbull refused to shift their votes to Lincoln for fear of alienating their constituents in their districts. Trumbull had 5 votes. Whereas Trumbull and Lincoln were both anti-slavery candidates, the other candidate in the race was pro-slavery. As the balloting continued, Lincoln saw that unless he shifted his 47 votes to Trumbull, the pro-slavery candidate would win.

Lincoln pulled his floor manager, Stephen Logan, aside and instructed him to declare his 47 votes for Trumbull. Logan refused and argued. He believed passionately that Lincoln was the better and more qualified candidate. Lincoln reasoned with him that the cause (anti-slavery) was too great and they'd worked too hard to lose the seat in the senate to a pro-slavery senator. It was a devastating time for Lincoln and his supporters. However, his values and integrity shone through and won him even more supporters – including Trumbull. Those supporters would be instrumental in him eventually winning the presidency.

What cause is more important to you than any short-term gain that you might desire?

To Your Success,

Read More Success Builders Weekly™
See past issues in the Success Builders Weekly™ Archive.

About Success Builders Weekly™
Success Builders Weekly™ is an email series with short, fun success stories and quotes. To subscribe to Success Builders Weekly™, simply submit your email address with the form in this message or on our web site at http://www.bobbikahler.com/resources/successbuilders/index.php

Reader Feedback
If you have a comment (or even a criticism) about the Success Builders Weekly™, we'd love to hear it!