Introduction
In the film, Lincoln, the final four months of President Abraham Lincoln’s life are depicted, along with the end of the Civil War and the abolishment of slavery. The story, which follows Lincoln’s scheme to outlaw slavery by passing the 13th Amendment, starts in January 1865 (YouTube Movies, 2013). Notwithstanding his genuine humility and unwavering devotion to his cause, President Lincoln possessed several qualities that made him a competent and efficient leader for his followers. Although many individuals were not enthralled by his political vocation, he transformed that into a point of agreement (Vishakh T.V., 2015). Therefore, this review illustrates how the character establishes themselves as the leader and the theories, techniques, or components of leadership communication they utilize. It also examines how characters benefit from and establish themselves as leaders through communication theories, skills, and components.
How Lincoln’s Character Demonstrates Him as a Leader
Steven Spielberg was the director of the 2012 film Lincoln. Lincoln has been the subject of numerous books and movies. His character, life, and presidency are enduring references to leadership, discernment, and tenacity, and Spielberg’s film vividly evokes all of it (YouTube Movies, 2013). He cares deeply about his family and struggles to showcase the challenges of slavery and black constitutional protections to American citizens in a manner that avoids unwarranted controversy. President Lincoln had excellent communication skills, as evidenced by the film Lincoln. Delivering the message clearly and paying attention to what others say are essential components of an effective communicator. Lincoln frequently uses anecdotes to illustrate his points while conversing with others. He was speaking to the soldiers in the opening scene of the film. He attempted to converse with them while hearing what they had to say. Although he had experienced numerous setbacks, he was emotionally stable and prepared to lead the nation. For instance, consider a scene from the film where President Lincoln and his son Robert argue about how he could not permit the son to enlist in the army during the Civil War despite being a father and a husband. Lincoln claims that the same speech has been said before “… I don’t need your damn permission, you miserable old goat, I’m gonna enlist anyhow… (Pennyworth, 2018)” However, after realizing this, he permitted his son to enlist. Because he had a long-term perspective, President Lincoln was a successful leader. According to the Rotten Tomatoes Coming Soon (2012), clip, it is clear from the movie when he claims that the 13th Amendment is for many more millions of citizens who have not yet been born, in addition to the millions who are alive today.
He was passionate in that he had faith in both himself and those around him. Although the 13th Amendment had previously been rejected, he had faith in his abilities and turned the suggested idea into an Amendment. He was also a good leader because he was people-oriented (Pennyworth, 2018). He had excellent communication skills and was highly focused on relationships in addition to tasks and schedules (YouTube Movies, 2013). For example, when asked what he would think about Elizabeth and her people if a bill for the 13th Amendment passed the house of representatives, he was told straight out that he had no idea who she was but would get used to it.
Lincoln’s Leadership Communication Theories, Skills, and Components
Generally, a leader will invoke human ideals and convictions when speaking to the public to appeal to the nobility of the people (YouTube Movies, 2013). The movie shows how Lincoln was conscious of social issues at all times. He was persuasive and could exert influence through cooperative behavior and careful consideration. He was also a people person, which boosted his capacity for effective leadership. He focused on interactions, responsibilities, and deadlines and had excellent communication skills. If a bill for the 13th Amendment passed the House of Representatives, he was asked what he would think of Elizabeth and her citizens. He was told flatly that he did not know who she was but would get used to it.
How Lincoln’s Communication Made Him a Leader
President Lincoln was a skilled communicator, so he used humor and stories to persuade people to support or oppose his political views in the film Lincoln. He uses anecdotes and humor that may be related to the discussions or disagreements at the table right now (Vishakh T.V., 2015). Instead of being direct, he used subtle humor and storytelling to help the audience comprehend his position. Lincoln’s communication ideas and techniques have many effects from a leadership perspective, such as helping to establish trust. It makes sense that people struggle with trust in their natural state (YouTube Movies, 2013). However, it is crucial to establish trust between two factions through storytelling that both the speaker and audience can relate to.
Conclusion
Leadership is a crucial feature of our time, and over the past few decades, people’s desire for competent leadership has grown significantly. Several films and books provide illustrations of successful leadership. Lincoln was a good illustration of a leadership style that greatly benefited American society. The qualities of a true leader, like intelligence, tenacity, self-assurance, integrity, and social connection, were all present in the movie “Lincoln.” The Thirteenth Amendment was accepted because of Lincoln’s political will, impetus, and intensity. And hence, the historical icon Abraham Lincoln’s exceptional leadership, communication, and character traits were successfully conveyed in the film Lincoln.
References
YouTube Movies. (2013). Lincoln. [Youtube]. Web.
Pennyworth. (2018). Lincoln (2012) quoting Abraham Lincolns speech from Gettysburg | opening scene (HD). [Youtube]. Web.
Rotten Tomatoes Coming Soon. (2012). Lincoln movie clip – I like our chances now (2012) – Steven Spielberg movie HD. [Youtube]. Web.
Vishakh T.V. (2015). Lincoln “now” scene. [Youtube]. Web.