President's Day
A Lesson From Lincoln
On President’s Day, we celebrate leadership.
Not just position.
Not just power.
But perspective.
One of the most powerful examples of leadership in American history is Abraham Lincoln and his decision to surround himself with rivals.
When Lincoln became president, he didn’t stack his cabinet with yes-men. He didn’t choose comfort. He didn’t protect his ego.
He chose strength.
He appointed men who had run against him for the presidency. Men who disagreed with him. Men who were strong-willed, opinionated, and ambitious.
This group later became known as the “Team of Rivals.” (Doris Kearns Goodwin wrote a book by this title.)
Imagine the security that requires.
Imagine the humility.
Imagine the clarity.
Lincoln understood something that every competitor must eventually learn:
If you only surround yourself with people who think like you, you limit your growth.
If you only listen to voices that affirm you, you weaken your perspective.
If you only protect your position, you lose your purpose.
Lincoln’s leadership wasn’t about proving he was right.
It was about doing what was right for the country.
As competitors—whether in the classroom, on the field, or in leadership—we should ask ourselves:
Do I invite challenge, or avoid it?
Do I value truth, or comfort?
Do I build teams that sharpen me, or teams that shield me?
Am I working to approach success or avoid failure?
President’s Day isn’t just about remembering a leader.
It’s about becoming one.
Choose to surround yourself with people who stretch you.
Keep Competing.