Recently, South Africans and people across the globe have mourned the loss of Nelson Mandela, one of the most influential leaders of the twentieth century. As the first black president of South America, he was an international advocate for human rights.
“If you have an objective in life, then you want to concentrate on that and not engage in infighting with your enemies. You want to create an atmosphere where you can move everybody toward the goal you have set for yourself.” (Nelson Mandela) |
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Winner of the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993, Mandela was best known for his efforts to end apartheid, a racial system that separated groups of individuals by race and deprived people of color from full citizenship. Mandela was committed to nonviolent resistance, having drawn influence by Mohandas Gandhi. Mandela spent 27 years in prison, during which time his reputation grew. Upon his release, Mandela immersed himself into bringing peace to South Africa’s Black majority.
According to the Five Factor Model, there are five broad dimensions of personality that are exhibited by leaders. (Northouse, 2013) In my opinion, Mandela exhibited each of these in a manner that is exceedingly rare.
Mandela exhibited a great deal of emotional stability, or Neuroticism. His ability to control and manage his emotions where others might be unable was astounding, to the point of embracing those that had imprisoned him. Emerging without bitterness, he actively place forgiveness at the forefront of moving forward, both for himself and for South Africa.
As an extravert, Mandela asserted his opinions tactfully, and subtly guided opinion in his favor. His vision and passion of ending the brutal apartheid system and setting his country on a path to freedom was a cause that he was willing to give his life for. His dignity and easy grace separated him from others, and ensured that his self-assuredness and commanding presence could not be ignored.
Mandela’s openness enabled him to see through the differences and discrimination of his time, to a future of common humanity, brotherhood and peace. His insightful creativity and commitment to his cause brought with it a dedicated following.
Even in conflict-based or hostile situations, Mandela was a consensus builder. His agreeableness was apparent to all through his ability to be accepting and nurturing to everyone around him. During his imprisonment, a time that for most would be one of despair, hostility and bitterness, Mandela was known to care for those that were sick or wounded, and to walk proudly though the prison yard.
“As a leader, I have always followed the principles I first saw demonstrated by the regent at the Great Palace. I have always endeavored to listen to what each and every person in a discussion had to say before venturing my own opinion. Oftentimes, my own opinion will simply represent a consensus of what I heard in the discussion. I always remember the regent’s axiom: a leader, he said, is like a shepherd. He stays behind the flock, letting the most nimble go out ahead, whereupon the others follow, not realizing that all along they are being directed from behind. (From Mandela’s memoirs, Long Walk to Freedom, Chapter 3)
Northouse, P.G. (2013). Leadership: Theory and Practice. Los Angeles: Sage Publications.
Great post and I agree that Nelson Mandela has shown many leadership traits and is an inspirational leader for human rights. When I think of leadership the individuals that have always come to my mind have been Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr., and Nelson Mandela because of their amazing determination, integrity, and the common purpose of peace and equality for all of humanity. All three leaders have shown traits that match on multiple lists that Northouse (2013) illustrates. Mandela had an interesting leadership role and became both an emergent leader and an assigned leader at the same time when he was appointed President of South Africa. Mandela’s leadership process influenced large groups of individuals in order to reach a common goal of peace and equality in his country. He not only influenced people in his own country, but also people around the world.
Throughout this process Mandela showcased multiple leadership traits that could be valued by the followers, such as integrity, intelligence, determination, self-confidence, and sociability. The determination of Mandela, Martin Luther King Jr., and Gandhi to role model peace utilizing peaceful protests, even in the face of human injustices, shows amazing integrity. Whether or not these individuals were born with these leadership traits or learned them through the process of leadership, one thing that is for sure is their influence will have a lasting impact on humanity. Also, I completely agree with your analysis of Mandela’s leadership traits, such as his emotional stability, dignity, openness, agreeableness, and passions as a leader. Again, great post filled with inspirational quotes that showcase Mandela’s legacy and influence.
Northouse, P. G. (2013). Leadership: theory and practice. (6th ed.). Thousand Oaks, California: SAGE Publications, Inc.