Leadership lessons from Nelson Mandela
- By Eugene Clark
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E-mail China.org.cn, December 14, 2013
Mandela's success is also a product of tremendously hard work, sacrifice and dedication. From freedom fighter to community activist, to political prisoner, to lawyer and president he dedicated himself to service and a life of sacrifice dedicated to achieving freedom for all South Africans.
Nelson Mandela was also a great communicator. His words, writings, example and symbolism inspired both his fellow citizens and people from over the world. For example, in his first cabinet and administration he retained several people from the previous regime as a symbol of both sound administration and a government that was inclusive of all South Africans. At the finals of the Rugby World Cup he inspired a team and a nation by donning the SA Springbok uniform. The result was that the entire stadium and millions of South Africans were shouting the name of their new president—Mandela.
Mandela used his powers of reconciliation to engage rather than vilify opponents. He demonstrated a willingness to see their point of view and understand and respect what was important to them. Again in the words of Nelson Mandela: "If you want to make peace with your enemy, you have to work with your enemy. Then he becomes your partner."
Nelson Mandela was always learning. In fact he studied at six higher education institutions. He acquired his law degree, continued to read and learn in prison and made continuous learning a daily habit. Mandela knew that "Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world."
Another important aspect of Mandela's leadership was his great charisma and warmth. Many are the accounts by other world leaders and media figures who speak of his gentle smile, his soft voice and his obvious love of people and life.
Nelson Mandela spent 27 years in prison. He remained optimistic, even during the darkest hours. He endured pain, banishment and punishment and yet persisted in pursuing his cause. Mandela summed up his philosophy in this way:
"I am fundamentally an optimist. Whether that comes from nature or nurture, I cannot say. Part of being optimistic is keeping one's head pointed toward the sun, one's feet moving forward. There were many dark moments when my faith in humanity was sorely tested, but I would not and could not give myself up to despair. That way lays defeat and death."
"The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall."
Looking beyond South Africa and today's youth, Nelson Mandela was truly one of the world's greatest leaders. At a time when the heroes of many of our youth are rock, TV or film stars, it is important to point instead to people like Nelson Mandela and reflect upon and celebrate the many lessons about life and leadership which Nelson Mandela personified.
In short, Nelson Mandela was a shining example of the positive difference that one person can make in the world—the 'Power of One.'
The author is a columnist with China.org.cn. For more information please visit: http://www.china.org.cn/opinion/eugeneclark.htm
Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors, not necessarily those of China.org.cn
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