Timeless Truth: Honest Abe and his Lesson for Leaders

“You can fool all the people some of the time, and some of the people all the time, but you cannot fool all the people all the time.” 

In today’s political climate, this quote resonates more than ever, particularly when we examine the behaviour of certain leaders who seem to think they can escape scrutiny through calculated silence and convenient flip-flops. There are many that fit this profile however today I will focus on Kamala Harris in her current role of Vice President and her appointment as 2024 Presidential candidate.

Vice President Kamala Harris has faced growing criticism for her shifting stances on key issues and her apparent reluctance to address her past record openly. Whether it’s her position on criminal justice reform or her evolving rhetoric on immigration, Harris has, at times, appeared more interested in aligning with the prevailing political winds than standing firm on her principles. This tendency to sidestep tough questions or change positions without acknowledgment might work in the short term, but as Lincoln wisely noted, the truth eventually catches up.

In politics, as in life, people have a remarkable ability to see through deception, especially when the stakes are high. Harris's strategy of remaining silent on her past record or altering her stance on critical issues without explanation may appease some of her base temporarily, but it risks alienating a larger portion of the electorate who value consistency and integrity. History shows us that leaders who fail to be transparent and accountable eventually face the consequences, as public trust is not easily regained once lost.

But this lesson isn’t just for politicians. The corporate world offers numerous examples of why integrity and transparency are non-negotiable for sustained success. Take the case of Volkswagen, which in 2015 was caught in a massive scandal for installing software in their cars to cheat emissions tests. The company initially tried to cover up the wrongdoing, but as Lincoln’s wisdom foretold, the truth came out. The fallout was catastrophic—billions in fines, a plummeting stock price, and irreparable damage to its reputation. Had Volkswagen been upfront and transparent, they might have avoided the full extent of the scandal’s impact.

For those of you in the workforce, it wouldn’t take long for any of you to identify these same behaviours in a co-worker or manager. Once identified, words that likely come to mind are untrustworthy or non transparent.

In both politics and business, the principle is clear: integrity matters. Leaders who attempt to fool the public through silence or manipulation may find short-term success, but as Lincoln’s words remind us, the truth has a way of coming to light. Kamala Harris, like any leader, would do well to remember that standing by one’s record, admitting past mistakes, and being consistent in one’s principles is not just the right thing to do—it’s the only path to long-term credibility and trust.

In the end, whether you’re a politician like Harris or a business leader, Lincoln’s wisdom remains relevant: you can’t fool all the people all the time. And when the truth emerges, as it inevitably does, only those with integrity and transparency will stand unscathed.