For all intents and purposes, the party was his to lead. He was the better known and more experienced statesman. William Seward, extraordinarily confident in his own thinking, was the expected front runner of the Republican Party in 1860. He was sharp, assertive, had clear ideas of what he wanted and made sure people knew it. So when the less known, goofy looking, humble Abraham Lincoln won the support of the party and ultimately the Presidency, Seward was left bitter and confused. I'm smarter, more experienced and more capable than this guy. Now he wants ME to work for HIM?
Seward knew he was smart, and made people know it too. Lincoln knew he was smart, and helped people realize that they were too and that their ideas mattered…. even if they were different than his own. Seward built arguments; Lincoln built teams. Seward was right; Lincoln was confidently curious. Seward had a temper; Lincoln had patience with a backbone.
To his credit, as Secretary of State, Seward became one of Lincoln's closest advisors and friends because Lincoln made room for his faults and ideas. He demonstrated true servant leadership, drawing even his rivals close. He honored people and listened to them, which made them feel seen, heard and part of the solution.