Ulysses S. Grant’s Leadership and Simplicity Ulysses S. Grant was one of the Union’s best generals, if not the best. He displayed two strong qualities, leadership skills and simplicity. “He could not only discipline others, but he could discipline himself,” said Horace Porter, who was in service with Grant. Grant’s methods were always simple, direct, and to the point, which established his simple nature (Fuller, 72-73). In May of 1861, Grant was appointed by the Governor of Illinois to command a disorderly volunteer regiment. He exhibited amazing leadership skills and by September of 1861 he had risen to the rank of brigadie