Sunday, February 20, 2011

The Better Angels of Our Nature

On March 4, 1861, President Abraham Lincoln concluded his first Inaugural Address with an exhortation and promise to our soon to be embattled nation. He spoke with full knowledge of the looming conflict that became the American Civil War; he also spoke with a deep conviction and belief that our “better angels” would prevail.

I agree with the historian Shelby Foote who said you cannot understand us a nation without understanding our Civil War, a war that was “central to all our lives.” I also believe that the lessons of this conflict stay central to this day.

As we recognize the 150th anniversary of the start of the Civil War, I trust you will join me on this blog and Twitter for a discussion on lessons and learnings in the workplace from a time long ago but, in reality, not far away.