R5 Righteous Growth Mode
Learn from Lincoln’s Team of Rivals. Apply to your life.
Step 1 of 5
Research
Study Lincoln’s “Team of Rivals.” What did he do? Why was it righteous?
Lincoln’s Example — Team of Rivals:
After winning the presidency, Lincoln appointed his three main political rivals — William Seward, Salmon Chase, and Edward Bates — to his Cabinet. These were men who had run against him, who disagreed with him, and who often challenged his decisions. Rather than surrounding himself with yes‑men, Lincoln created a leadership environment where ideas were tested, challenged, and refined. He knew that the best decisions emerge from honest disagreement.
After winning the presidency, Lincoln appointed his three main political rivals — William Seward, Salmon Chase, and Edward Bates — to his Cabinet. These were men who had run against him, who disagreed with him, and who often challenged his decisions. Rather than surrounding himself with yes‑men, Lincoln created a leadership environment where ideas were tested, challenged, and refined. He knew that the best decisions emerge from honest disagreement.
“I need the best men in the nation. I don’t care if they agree with me.” — Abraham Lincoln
R5 Righteous Growth Mode — Research · Reflect · Replan · Reshape · Reinforce