This is a continuing series of blog posts about what's on your office wall that gives you inspiration or encouragement. The original post, where I shared my office wall, is here: original post
And you can email me a picture of your wall with a short synopsis of what's there and why it matters to:
whatsonyourofficewall at gmail dot com.
Today's graphic comes from Kyle, a good friend and unexpected history buff. Kyle has a letter that Abraham Lincoln wrote to General Joseph Hooker while Hooker was in charge of the Union forces during the Civil War. Kyle writes that the letter impresses him because:
Besides just appreciating Lincoln’s clever style of simultaneously admonishing Maj Gen Hooker while setting clear expectations for his new command of the Army, this letter reminds me of the power of respect. Commanding respect only comes with giving respect. Lincoln respectfully leads Hooker to understand his role in the cause.
Lincoln contributed mightily to the success of the war. Hooker was quickly driven from command and only lent his name to the women who followed the army.
In the letter Lincoln tells Hooker that he (Lincoln) has given command to Hooker, and yet Lincoln has several concerns. He recognizes that Hooker is ambitious and has self-confidence. He understands Hooker is a good soldier and does not mix politics with his profession, which had been a problem with some of the preceding generals. However, Hooker had been spreading rumors and failing to adequately support the previous general, Burnside. Lincoln is reminding Hooker that the army needs leadership and that the government will do everything it can to support him.
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