In the same amount of time that it will take you to read this post, Abraham Lincoln delivered what is perhaps the greatest political oration in American history.

Last week marked the 150th anniversary of the Gettysburg Address, which is widely considered to be the greatest enunciation of the fundamental ideals enshrined in the American Constitution. Yet on the day that is was delivered, Lincoln’s speech – not to mention his appearance itself – was supposed to be merely an afterthought.

Edward Everett, a Secretary of State, Governor, Senator, Congressman, and President of Harvard was the day’s keynote speaker. Considered to be the greatest lecturer of his time, he delivered a compelling speech to a crowd of 15,000 people. But Everett’s 13,607-word, two hour oration was eclipsed by the masterfully succinct address that followed. Lincoln stepped up to the podium, delivered his 10-sentence speech in under three minutes, and had sat back down before most of the audience even realized that he had spoken.

Today, not one person in 100 could tell you who Edward Everett was. But almost everyone knows that Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address is one of the greatest speeches ever given. What’s the lesson for business? That leadership isn’t defined by a lot of words; but rather the right ones at the right time.