6 Abraham Lincoln quotes to inspire communicators

Tuesday was the 16th president’s birthday. Mark the occasion with these quotes—and lessons—from Honest Abe.

This year, the acclaimed film “Lincoln” leads the Oscar race with 12 nominations, and it has grossed nearly $221 million worldwide at the box office since its release in November.

Celebrate the 16th president’s birthday with a few bits of his wisdom that have been inspiring communicators for nearly two centuries.

“Give me six hours to chop down a tree, and I will spend the first four sharpening the ax.”

Preparation is a key ingredient for success. Careful planning and adequate preparation help to ensure a project goes smoothly. You won’t get far trying to sink a dull ax into a tree trunk—nor will you produce impressive results with a dull communications plan.

“Reputation is like fine china: Once broken it’s very hard to repair.”

This is a no-brainer for PR pros, whose job it is to manage and uphold reputations—and occasionally piece together a reputation that took a nose dive from the top shelf of the proverbial china cabinet. PR people aren’t kidding when they advise clients to create a plan—before a crisis occurs—to minimize damage and protect reputations.

“Determine that the thing can and shall be done, and then we shall find the way.”

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