What trait did President Lincoln value most in leadership?

President Abraham Lincoln placed significant value on military credentials in leadership, particularly during a time when the nation was engulfed in the Civil War. He recognized that effective military leadership was crucial for guiding the Union to victory and maintaining national unity. Lincoln sought leaders who not only understood military strategy but also demonstrated the ability to inspire troops and make swift, impactful decisions in the face of conflict.

While diplomatic skills, charisma, and economic knowledge are important traits for leaders, in Lincoln's context, military credentials were paramount due to the pressing demands of wartime leadership. Quality military leaders such as Ulysses S. Grant and William Tecumseh Sherman were recognized for their strategic capabilities, which were essential to the Union's success against the Confederacy. Thus, military credentials stood out as the defining characteristic that Lincoln prioritized in his leadership selections during his presidency.