Lincolns non political work experience included Farmhand, clerk, flat-boatman, store owner, surveyor, postmaster, lawyer.
Lincolns Military experience included Captain and private, Illinois Militia (1832); Commander-in-Chief (1861-1865).
Lincoln had a Patent #6469 granted May 22, 1849 for device to lift boats over shoals; only U.S. President to own a patent.
At age 23, with no real qualifications and a very limited formal education, Abraham Lincoln ran for his first Illinois political office. He failed in that campaign for the state legislature, but two years later gained a seat as a member of the Whig Party. This consisted mainly of service in the Illinois General Assembly and one term in Congress. In 1856 he joined the newly formed Republican Party; two years later he ran for the U.S. Senate, making a name for himself in those famous debates. By 1860 he became the first Republican to win a presidential election.
LEADERSHIP QUALITIES AND TRAITS
1. Capacity to Listen to Different Points of View
2. Ability to Learn on the Job
3. Ready Willingness to Share Credit for Success
4. Ready Willingness to Share Blame for Failure
5. Awareness of Own Weaknesses
6. Ability to Control Emotions
7. Know How to Relax and Replenish
8. Go Out into the Field and Manage Directly
9. Strength to Adhere to Fundamental Goals
10. Ability to Communicate Goals and Vision
FAMOUS SPEECHES
Cooper Union Address, 1860
The Gettysburg Address, 1863
Second Inaugural Address, 1865