Defining leadership in absolute terms is very difficult.  Many consider leadership as being something a person is born with while others insist that it is a learned and practiced behavior.  Northouse (2013) defines leadership as “a process whereby an individual influences a group of individuals to achieve a common goal” (p. 5).  Further, Northouse (2013) discusses leadership as a transactional process between leader and follower– an interactive event– that involves influence on both the part of the leader and the follower.  Most closely related to this influenced, transactional process is the theory of transformational leadership.

According to Northouse (2013), “Transformational leadership is a process that changes and transforms people.  It is concerned with emotions, values, ethics, standards, and long-term goals.  It includes assessing followers’ motives, satisfying their needs, and treating them as full human beings.  Transformational leadership involves an exceptional form of influence that moves followers to accomplish more than what is usually expected of them.  It is a process that often incorporates charismatic and visionary leadership” (p. 185).  When I think of transformational leadership, I automatically think of the former leader of South Africa, Nelson Mandela.

This week, Mandela passed away at the age of 95.  Since his death was first reported, I have been thinking a lot about his influence not only on his followers, but also on the world.  Mandela united a racially-segregated country and allowed the minority population to believe they could do great things.  His influence over his followers and his belief in them and their own power helped the citizens of South Africa become a nation of one voice, a country united. 

Mandela spent 27 years in prison.  During his incarceration, he was still considered a leader by the minority population and the freedom fighters.  Although a man of great political stature, it was reported by fellow prisoners and even prison guards that he often spent time serving his fellow inmates.  He personally cared for his sick companions and helped them find comfort in their tumultuous journey.  Although he was offered freedom many times in exchange for him abandoning his cause, Mandela refused to give up on the dream he had inspired in so many people to make their own (Wilson & Wilson, 2011). 

When Mandela died earlier this week, the world lost a great man.  He had a quiet presence that commanded respect and in turn, gave what he was given.  He was able to move to tears many foreign dignitaries through his words only.  His selflessness and altruistic nature inspired a country to unite and the world to be a better place.

References:

Wilson, C. J. (Producer), & Wilson, M. H. (Director). (2011). Reconciliation: Mandela’s Miracle [Motion picture]. United States: Warner Bros.

Northouse, P.G. (2013).  Leadership: Theory and Practice.  Los Angeles: Sage Publications.