How had Lincoln been able to lead these inordinately prideful, ambitious, quarrelsome, jealous, supremely gifted men to support a fundamental shift in the purpose of the war? The best answer can be found in what we identify today as Lincoln's emotional intelligence: his empathy, humility, consistency, self-awareness, self-discipline, and generosity of spirit. "So long as I have been here," Lincoln maintained, "I have not willingly planted a thorn in any man's bosom." In his everyday interactions with the team, there was no room for mean-spirited behavior, for grudges or personal resentments.
( Doris Kearns Goodwin )
[ Leadership: In Turbulent Times ]
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