Leadership

GAOUSSOU BABA TRAORE MGT 6503 08/06/2014

Leadership Paper: Nelson Mandela
This paper will give an analysis of a leader that I admire Nelson Mandela. It will cover the strong
Prophecy, inspiration, compassion, innovative, persistence and ethical qualities of Nelson
Mandela. Nelson Mandela was born Rolihlahla Mandela on July 18, 1918 in Mvezo, South Africa. His name Rolihlahla which in his native language of Xhosa which means “pulling the branch of a tree.” The Xhosa language translates “pulling the branch of a tree” to mean “troublemaker.” He was an antiapartheid revolutionary, politician, and philanthropist who served as President of South Africa from 1994 until 1999. Apartheid is a term that originally is Dutch and means separation. The system was in practice used to retain the white minorities, economical, political and cultural supremacy. His legacy to the world was to establish respected principals of equal opportunity for all regardless of your race or sex. He was able to protest his believe without being violent. I admire Nelson Mandela for his courage and sacrifice to endure 27 years of incarceration to fight for what he believed was right Mandela. (2014). Nelson Mandela was a leader who exemplified a vision and passion to achieve human rights and racial equality. A leader who can inspire people with enthusiasm and energy show characteristics of a transformational leader. In 1942 Mandela joined the African National Congress (ANC) to fight against the South African government his vision to end discrimination against his own people in their own country. Mandela’s charismatic and transformational leadership style allowed him to motivate his followers to trust in him.
Nelson Mandela was a man who was true to his word and dedicated to equality and peace. The fact that he was president isn’t what makes him stand out, but the fact that he effectively executed many of the leadership qualities we learned about in class, is what makes such a great leader.
One of the first class topics that were exhibited by Nelson Mandela is “Model the Way”. He was a devoted believer in non-violence resistance methods for the fight for equality, and that is exactly what he displayed. He first became active in politics with the election of the “Afrikaner-dominated National Party”. He stayed true to his belief of non-violence resistance, which he adopted from Gandhi, and was arrested and charged with treason. Nelson Mandela also showed characteristics of “Model the Way” while in office. Although some were suspicious about his approach, he was persistent on what he believed and made sure that he also presented himself the way that he needed to be seen. He believed in equality and therefore made his whole staff that way by adding non-African men to his security staff. This is a great example of “Modeling the Way”, because when Nelson Mandela meant equality, he really meant it for all and so he implemented that idea within his staff.
Another class topic clearly shown by Nelson Mandela was “Challenge the Process”. He saw a group in power that in his eyes was not working for the benefit of the people, and “challenged their leadership”. His imprisonment showed how he was ready to go against anything for his cause, and his style of leadership also showed that he didn’t mind changing things up in order to achieve what he wanted. Who else would have thought of using rugby as one of the motivations for revitalizing Africans? He was considered a risk-taker because of his innovative ideas for getting his point across. Of course, we cannot forget the fact that he was the first black president in general. What other way to “Challenge the Process” than to be the first leader of color for a whole country? This is one of the reasons why Nelson Mandela really stands out as a leader. He was different, and he embraces this to the fullest. He was never afraid to push farther, (even if it meant that not everyone was happy), as long as it contributed to the common good of integrating Africa.
“Inspire a Shared Vision” is, in my opinion, the most important trait that was effectively carried out by Nelson Mandela. In order to be successful in re-establishing Africa he must have had everyone on his side and on the same page. Of course, it was difficult to do this especially since segregation was such a huge part of the previous presidency. Mandela had to make sure to inspire the people by showing strong leadership as well as strong character and dedication. He also allows for a shared vision by making it clear that what he wants is equality and integration. By always following that, and again “Modeling the Way”, Nelson Mandela was able to show others how to interact with people that were not the same as them. He was a huge inspiration to so many people, and still is a huge inspiration, because of his dedication and vision. It also helps that he was so stubborn, because in a way, this is what gave him his drive and dedication to lead everyone into thinking the way he did when it came to equality. This “stubborn sense of fairness” enabled him to continue doing everything he believed was right even when others went against it, or when at first it didn’t seem to be successful. Nelson Mandela can be qualifying as a charismatic and transformational leader at the same time. We had learned charismatic leadership characters on page 367-375 and transformational leadership characters on page 412-432. He personally meets most of these two concepts. Since he was young, he started fighting for human right in his country (South Africa). By the age of 25, the government put him in prison for 27 years, but he stilled on his position (freedom, right for his people to vote). In the prison, his started to write books and convincing people even guard to think outside the box (they have common interest; they have to change their country constitutions). As a result, people understand his vision and they help him to get out of the prison. He created his organization ANC (African National Congress) with objective “Freedom” and, also fight against the South African government. His was vision to end discrimination against his own people in their own country. So he transformed or persuaded the majority of the population from self-interest to the country’s interest. Finally, he reached his goals (freedom for South African and right to vote). Nelson Mandela was a democratic leader I have never seen, he left the power without civilian war. That was a surprise and this act made a huge difference between him and most of first African president (they left because of death or military coup). Nelson Mandela was an emotionally stable person as well because he never reacted to his oppressors or to any one and this was evidenced when he was released from prison. He came out Unchanged, and has never been attracted to any sense of vengeance or hatred and his Personal beliefs also remained unchanged. Mandela had a sense of humour- ‘a childlike sense of humour’. At one time Mandela was asked by a foreign correspondent why the ANC was so bent on achieving a two- thirds majority when it already had a clear governing majority, he responded with a polite tirade against his political opposition, which he dismissed as "Mickey Mouse" parties.
Another class topic that I believe Nelson Mandela does very well is “Enable Others to Act”. Nelson Mandela along with being very peaceful is also very selfless, and he did not let power get to his head. In being so humble and giving, he allowed others to also emerge as leaders. The perfect example would be Francois Pienaar, the captain of the rugby team during Nelson Mandela’s presidency. By motivating Francois and showing that Africa completely supported him and the team, essentially Nelson Mandela led him to their victory and their win of the 1995 World Cup. Nelson Mandela made sure to let the people know that they were the key to the success of Africa. He supported the decisions of others and made everyone feel as if they had a contribution to his leadership. From his protection force who could truly call him a friend to his personal assistant who cared for him as much more than just a leader. Basically, Nelson Mandela enabled others to act by being accepting of everyone around him and ensuring that everyone felt as family rather than just employees.
Nelson Mandela was a round and complete leader. He naturally exhibited all types of leadership qualities which is what led him to his success. I believe that with all the qualities that made him a leader, he was also able to “encourage the heart”. The best thing about Nelson Mandela’s leadership is that he was not afraid to be himself, he was confident. Although he did sometimes have to put up a front of bravery and triumph, I feel like he kept true to he was during his whole time of presidency, before his presidency, and also much after. His humble, down to earth attitude, mixed in with his stubborn aura, made him an unforgettable and influential leader. Nelson Mandela was an icon of peace and dedication.

References:
Patrick, 2011, Introduction To Leadership, Mc Hill (create), Leadership Development and Change Management, pp43
Patrick, 2011, Leadership and the Role of Sex and Gender, Mc Hill (create), Leadership Development and Change Management, pp136-137
Patrick, 2011, Charismatic Leadership, Mc Hill (create), Leadership Development and Change Management, pp367-375
Patrick, 2011, Transformational Leadership, Mc Hill (create), Leadership Development and Change Management, pp412-432

References: Patrick, 2011, Introduction To Leadership, Mc Hill (create), Leadership Development and Change Management, pp43 Patrick, 2011, Leadership and the Role of Sex and Gender, Mc Hill (create), Leadership Development and Change Management, pp136-137 Patrick, 2011, Charismatic Leadership, Mc Hill (create), Leadership Development and Change Management, pp367-375 Patrick, 2011, Transformational Leadership, Mc Hill (create), Leadership Development and Change Management, pp412-432