How to influence men : the use of psychology in business / by Edgar James Swift.

  • Swift, Edgar James, 1860-1932.
Date:
1927
Catalogue details

Licence: In copyright

Credit: How to influence men : the use of psychology in business / by Edgar James Swift. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    about him. “I have heard, in such a way as to believe it,” wrote Lincoln to Hooker, “of your recently saying that both the army and the government need a dictator. Of course it is not for this, but in spite of it, that I have given you the command.” ^ Our great President, with his keen humor and his con- tempt for conventionalities, was a superb manager of men. Consequently, the writer ventures to give two more illus- trations. The following story shows his humorous and tactful way of keeping a superior man. Probably in this matter he knew that Stanton was right. At all events, he knew that opportunities enough would occur when he must exercise authority without seeking them. And when con- ditions demanded it, he was firm as adamant. A member of Congress had obtained an order from the President which required the signature of Stanton. “'Did Lincoln give you an order of that kind?’ asked the secre- tary of the congressman who presented the document. “‘He did, sir.’ “‘Then he is a damned fool!’ was the response. “‘Do you mean to say that the President is a damned fool?’ asked the congressman in amazement. “‘Yes, sir, if he gave you such an order as that.’ “Returning to the Executive Mansion [the congressman] reported the result of the conference. “‘Did Stanton say I was a damned fool?’ asked Lincoln at the close of the recital. “‘He did, sir; and he repeated it.’ “‘If Stanton said that I am a damned fool,’ continued the President thoughtfully, ‘then I must be one; for he is nearly always right, and generally says what he means. I will step over and see him.’” ^ ‘ The Campaign of Chancellorsville, by John Bigelow, Jr., p. lo. Yale University Press. * Lincoln, Master of Men, by Alonzo Rothchild, p. 235. (Houghton