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Principles For Passionate Leaders 21 The Nelson Mandela Way CALEB STORKEY
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Principles For Passionate
Leaders
21The Nelson Mandela Way
CALEBSTORKEY
Nelson Mandela - The Revolutionary Driven by LoveWhen I was a young child, I remember singing ‘Free Nelson Mandela’ at a small Christian Arts festival called Greenbelt. I had a Nelson Mandela jumper with his face on it and I wore it with pride. At that age I knew that he stood for something that stirred something in me. When he was released from prison some years later, I remember crying. I didn’t understand why- but great leaders have that impact.
Years later, I devoured his autobiography ‘A Long Walk To Freedom’ from start to finish with little sleep in-between. The man was incredible, an inspiration and became one of my greatest heroes.
I'm in great admiration of all that he has left us and the impact that his life has had on us. And for someone who is passionate about leadership and communication, there is so much I’ve learnt and continue to learn from his life and example. I wanted to share some of my learnings with you.
Thank you Madiba.Share This eBook
Photo Credit:South Africa The Good News“ 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.
”NELSON MANDELATWEET THIS QUOTE
#1Make The Impossible, Possible
Mandela once said: ‘It always seems impossible until it’s done.’ During apartheid, Mandela faced arrest and conviction of high treason by the state. After many years in solitary confinement, rarely able to see the sun, he was released, becoming President of South Africa and enabling 20,000 South Africans to share their pain and loss through the truth and reconciliation process. Many black and white individuals were able to acknowledge their guilt and start the process of healing. Many would have thought that was impossible.
“And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” Nelson Mandela. TWEET THIS QUOTE
And as we let our own light
shine, we unconsciously
give other people
permission to do the same.
As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically
liberates others. MARIANNA
WILLIAMSONTWEET THIS QUOTE
Don’t Give Up
Mandela was focused on irradicating social injustice in South Africa, and the racial segregation and discrimination that was seen in apartheid. Mandela knew the power of perseverance. When he was imprisoned on Robben Island losing his freedom, his reputation still grew as the most significant leader of South Africa.
He didn’t give up, but instead fought each step of the way, mustering up the courage to keep going. The symbolic image of his raised fist as he exited Victor Verster Prison near Cape Town in 1990 is a visual statement that shows the fight that was in his spirit. After leaving prison, he worked with then President, F. W. de Klery, to finally abolish apartheid.
“The greatest glory in living lies not in never failing, but in rising every time we fail.” Nelson Mandela.
#2
TWEET THIS QUOTE
Photo Credit:Africa Renewal
“The greatest glory in
living lies not in never
failing, but in rising every time we fail.
NELSON MANDELA”TWEET THIS QUOTE
Be Inclusive
Mandela’s leadership style was inclusive. He grew up as a child in the rural area of the Eastern Cape and subsequently observed tribal elders address community issues. This led him to understand the power of consensus in his approach to politics.
Throughout his time as president and during his time in Prison, Mandela took great care to ensure that English, and Afrikaans, Zulu and Xhosa, Black and White, Capitalist and Communist were represented equally. Crucially Mandela knew the important issues for white South Africans. Having studied their language and culture he impressed many with his knowledge.
He outworked and outlived his passion for democracy and the necessity to have a wide group of people making decisions.
“No single person can liberate a country. You can only liberate a country if you act as a collective.” Nelson Mandela.
#3
TWEET THIS QUOTE
Photo Credit:Africa Renewal
No single person can liberate a country. You can only liberate a country if you act as a collective.“ ”NELSON MANDELA
TWEET THIS QUOTE
Listen Intentionally
Where it’s all too easy to jump in and speak, Mandela would enter the debate at late stages, often being the one who would speak last. He took great care to listen to differing viewpoints.
As a result when he spoke he had gleaned the wisdom of others and therefore could effectively close the argument. He took council and was therefore confident in his final decision.
“A leader 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.” Nelson Mandela.
#4
TWEET THIS QUOTE
Photo Credit:Penn State Special Collections
A leader is like a shepherd. He stays behind the flock, letting the most nimble go out ahead, whereupon the others follow, not realising that all along they are being directed from behind.“ ”NELSON MANDELATWEET THIS QUOTE
Be The Change You Want To See
Mandela was influenced by Gandhi’s social action in India and his advice to “be the change” you seek in the world. Gandhi was jailed in South Africa in 1908 as a “prisoner of conscience.” The South African Indian community protested and he was released returning to his homeland.
The impression was later made on Mandela, and his influence ran deep. Gandhi’s leagacy lived on as Mandela later embraced non-violent resistance, having initially started with a more aggressive approach. He recognised he needed to the change, and it may come at a personal cost to himself and his family.
“One of the things I learned when I was negotiating was that until I changed myself, I could not change others.” Nelson Mandela.
#5
TWEET THIS QUOTE
One of the things I learned when I was negotiating was that until I changed myself, I could not change others.“ ”NELSON MANDELATWEET THIS QUOTE
Lead With Conviction
Mandela wasn’t afraid to change approach, and be led by his conscience when it was in conflict with the viewpoint of others. In the late 1980s, South Africa’s townships were burning and Mandela entered into secret talks with this apartheid state.
His ANC colleagues were not interested in talking with the authorities. Knowing that he wouldn’t have their support, he negotiated discreetly. It was a risky move, but as one of the prisoners with Mandela said, ‘There comes a time when a leader must lead.’
“Peace is the greatest weapon for development that any person can have.” Nelson Mandela.
#6
TWEET THIS QUOTE
Photo Credit:Africa Renewal
Peace is the greatest weapon for development that any person can have.“ ”NELSON MANDELATWEET THIS QUOTE
Be Comfortable In Your Own Skin
Mandela looked good and carried his appearance with great personal pride. He was regal, walked tall, chose his clothes carefully and was well dressed. He wanted to project an image of someone who was sell assured, trustworthy and successful.
Yet he was not swallowed up in a short term materialistic, fashion saturated world. He was simply happy to wear clothes and fashions that he was comfortable with, and that over the years came to symbolise him. Wearing silk patterned shirts, added to his charm of someone who was confident in his own identity; which in turn implied a level of mystique.
“We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, handsome, talented and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be?” Nelson Mandela.
#7
TWEET THIS QUOTE
Photo Credit:Festival Karsh Ottawa
“ ”We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, handsome,
talented and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be?NELSON MANDELATWEET THIS QUOTE
Communicate Clearly & Passionately
Nelson Mandela recognised the power of the media and used it to help further his cause. Many African leaders show suspicion towards the media, but Mandela took the opposite approach. He wasn’t defensiveness, but would show a grace and charm in front of the camera, knowing how to hold a room and yet extend it to those watching through their TV screens.
Even when he was caricatured, (as he was by Zaprio the South African political cartoonist), he was able to see past how he was portrayed and express his admiration of Zapiro’s work.
Comfortable with Presidents, celebrities and the ordinary person, Mandela created a natural affinity with all those who interacted with him. Mandela was able to articulate his message clearly, communicate passionately whilst positioning his message into emotions others could align with and find resonance with.
“If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart.” Nelson Mandela.
#8
TWEET THIS QUOTE
Dee Ann
Photo Credit:Archives de la Ville de Montreal
“ ”If you talk to a man in a language he
understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart.
NELSON MANDELATWEET THIS QUOTE
Know When To Step Down
Few African leaders happily give up control in the manner Mandela did, when he would have won a landslide second term Presidency. Mandela was more interested in South Africa’s democratic development than his own status, and was happy to step aside after one term in 1999, allowing room for Thabo Mbeki to take on the presidency.
This is stark contrast to those who spend lives trying to rise to the top and then cling on this position with manipulation, games and influence. Great leaders know when to move themselves from power. They know when it is time to provide space for others.
“Quitting is leading too.” Nelson Mandela.
#9
TWEET THIS QUOTE
Quitting is leading too.Photo Credit:Andres Musta“ ”NELSON MANDELA TWEET THIS QUOTE
Love People Wholeheartedly
People were drawn to Mandela as an icon and someone they wanted to sit at the feet of. Mandela had a deep sense of awe for human beings. He showed the humility to learn from them and understand what was important to them.
Mandela met thousands of ordinary and famous people throughout his years of activism and charity work. He recognised the importance of connection and face to face interaction and was inspired by the giftedness of other people.
“What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.” Nelson Mandela.
#10
TWEET THIS QUOTE
What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.“ ”NELSON MANDELAPhoto Credit:
Archives de la Ville de Montreal TWEET THIS QUOTE
Be Courageous
Mandela showed courage that inspired others to see beyond their current circumstances. He never lost sight of his vision to end Apartheid and this courage was demonstrated throughout his 27 grueling years in prison.
This courage was also visible when the engine failed on a plane journey. Instead of being filled with panic, Mandela calmly sat and read his newspaper. This inspired the other men to remain focused and calm because they saw his composure. When they landed he certainly had been afraid, very afraid, but had a responsibility to lead by example.
“I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.” Nelson Mandela.
#11
TWEET THIS QUOTE
Photo Credit:Adam Fagen
I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does
not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.“ ”NELSON MANDELATWEET THIS QUOTE
Be Grateful & Thankful
Despite all the hardship and struggle that Mandela faced, one image that remains etched in people’s memories is his smile. He had beautiful white teeth and a wide open face and sparking eyes. Mandela expressed gratitude through this smile, which put people at ease and created a warmth around him.
Mandela lived with strong values and beliefs, and was known to have integrity, purpose and generosity. This personal brand was important.
“Appearances matter — and remember to smile.” Nelson Mandela.
#12
TWEET THIS QUOTE
Photo Credit:Archives de la Ville de Montreal
Appearances matter and remember to smile.“ ”NELSON MANDELA
TWEET THIS QUOTE
Embrace Humility
Mandela lived a life of humility and great influence. His wife, Graca Machel once said, “I found this simple man.” Mandela showed great humility throughout his life, from the simple act of serving tea to others, to the humanity of forgiving his captors to the gracious stepping down as President.
Mandela was able to acknowledge his failings, and in later interviews, he admitted that the ANC had committed some human rights abuses and criticised anyone who attempted to deny it. Mandela said: “I am not a saint, unless you think of a saint as a sinner who keeps on trying.” He would apologise for his faults and be aware of his own weaknesses. He felt uncomfortable at being elevated to a position of hero worship.
“That was one of the things that worried me – to be raised to the position of a semi-god – because then you are no longer a human being. I wanted to be known as Mandela, a man with weaknesses, some of which are fundamental, and a man who is committed.” Nelson Mandela.
#13
TWEET THIS QUOTE
That was one of the things that worried me – to be raised to the position of a semi-god – because then you are no longer a human being. I wanted to be known as Mandela, a man with weaknesses,
some of which are fundamental, and a man who is committed.“ ”Photo Credit:Drew Douglas
NELSON MANDELATWEET THIS QUOTE
Think Big
In his autobiography, a Long Walk to Freedom, Nelson Mandela said: There is no passion to be found playing small in settling for a life that is less than one you are capable of living.’
Mandela always encouraged people to think big and to live by example. He refused to give into other’s lack of belief in him or his dreams. He inspired people to reach beyond their own limitations and grow into space that required greatness.
When Mandela was in prison he was only allowed one visitor and one letter every 6 months. During this time, he studied for a Bachelor of Law degree by taking a distance learning program with the University of London. Mandela believed that: ‘A good head and good heart are always a formidable combination. But when you add to that a literate tongue or pen, then you have something very special.’
Young black activists were inspired by his imprisonment on Robben Island, and the authorities ended up separating Miangeni, Miaba- Kathrada and Walter Sisulu from the ANC Juniors to break what was called ‘The Mandela University.’
#14
TWEET THIS QUOTE
Photo Credit:Africa Renewal
Education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world. “ ”NELSON MANDELATWEET THIS QUOTE
Live Peacefully With Others
Nelson was a firm believer in joining together with others and holding hands of hope and purpose. He wasn’t crippled with bitterness at the loss of 27 years but instead preached: “Resentment is like drinking poison and then hoping it will kill your enemies.’ Mandela saw the power in working with others towards peace and transformation. He said: “Peace is the greatest weapon for development that any person can have.”
“If you want to make peace with your enemy, you have to work with your enemy. Then he becomes your partner.” Nelson Mandela.
#15
TWEET THIS QUOTE
Photo Credit:Paul-W
If you want to make peace with your enemy, you have to work with your enemy. Then he becomes your partner. “ ”NELSON MANDELATWEET THIS QUOTE
Forgive And Love Others
After being imprisoned under harsh conditions, many would be craving for retaliation upon their release. Mandela had the opportunity to take revenge as president of South Africa, but he instead led the country to peace recognising the power of forgiveness and reconciliation. He surprised his opponents by showing belief and hope in them.
“As I walked out the door toward the gate that would lead to my freedom, I knew if I didn't leave my bitterness and hatred behind, I'd still be in prison.” Nelson Mandela.
#16
TWEET THIS QUOTE
Photo Credit:Mark Holtzhausen
As I walked out the door toward the gate that would lead to my freedom, I knew if I didn't leave my
bitterness and hatred behind, I'd still be in prison.“ ”NELSON MANDELATWEET THIS QUOTE
Be Alert And Strong
Mandela had strong personal discipline. Each morning he would run on the spot for 45 minutes, do 100 finger tip push-ups and 200 sit- ups. He recognised the need to be physically healthy and alert, and had a discipled eating regime similar to an athlete. He once said: “Your playing small does not serve the world. Who are you not to be great?”
His physical health was important to him, which no doubt, played an important part in how active he was right up to the end of his life.
“We must use time creatively, and forever realize that the time is always ripe to do right.” Nelson Mandela.
#17
TWEET THIS QUOTE
Photo Credit:Archives de la Ville de Montreal
We must use time creatively, and forever realise that the time is always ripe to do right.“ ”NELSON MANDELATWEET THIS QUOTE
Build Bridges Not Valleys
Nelson Mandela was known to deeply value people and would discover as much as he could before meeting someone. He learnt all the names of the Springboks team when he brought the Rugby World Cup to South Africa in 1995. Nelson presented the winner’s trophy to Springbok captain Francois Pienaar while wearing a replica of Pienaar’s no. 6 Springboks t-shirt. This symbol served to further heal the very tangible racial tension, in South Africa.
“There is a universal respect and even admiration for those who are humble and simple by nature, and who have absolute confidence in all human beings irrespective of their social status.” Nelson Mandela.
#18
TWEET THIS QUOTE
Photo Credit:Africa Renewal
There is a universal respect and even admiration for those who are humble and simple by nature, and who have absolute
confidence in all human beings irrespective of their social status.“ ”NELSON MANDELATWEET THIS QUOTE
Make People Your Priority
Mandela was very focused on his work, yet allowed space to be interrupted for impromptu greetings and meetings. Mandela celebrated the achievements of individuals and groups he was leading which invited people to achieve even more. As a result of this level of interest in others and his habit of focusing on the good he saw in others, he was an inspiration to others.
“Without language, one cannot talk to people and understand them; one cannot share their hopes and aspirations, grasp their history, appreciate their poetry, or savor their songs.” Nelson Mandela.
#19
TWEET THIS QUOTE
Without language, one cannot talk to people and understand them; one cannot share their hopes and aspirations, grasp their history, appreciate their poetry, or savor their songs.
Photo Credit:UNAMID“ ”NELSON MANDELATWEET THIS QUOTE
Be Authentic
Nelson Mandela recognised the contradiction of life. Life was a mixture of hope and hopelessness, success and failure, vision and disillusionment, joy and pain. He wasn’t defeated by the hardship, was realistic of struggles, yet pushed to believe in something more.
As a result of this, people were able to identify and believe in his message because he wasn’t speaking from a place of privilege, or unrealistic idealism but instead from a place of hope and gritty determination.
“For to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.” Nelson Mandela.
#20
TWEET THIS QUOTE
Photo Credit:Africa Renewal
For to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others. “ ”NELSON MANDELATWEET THIS QUOTE
Be A Revolutionary
Mandela was a revolutionary fueled by love for his people and his land. A big thinker with a freedom to disagree with the authorities, Mandela had presence, authority and strength of voice to gather people around a bigger dream.
He was determined, focused, wholehearted and willing to face the hardship along the way to see this important transformation. He knew how to communicate with passion, raising the levels of belief in those around him.
The injustice of ‘Apartheid’ was felt widely by national and international communities, and he was able to connect with this vast growing number of people who were committed to the same cause. Together they saw the change and the freedom they’d been looking for.
Refreshingly, his revolutionary passion wasn’t self centered. Today’s revolutionaries often become tomorrows dictators, yet Mandela was gracious and humble enough to let go of power after only one term.
“I have never cared very much for personal prizes. A person does not become a freedom fighter in the hope of winning awards.” Nelson Mandela.
#21
TWEET THIS QUOTE
I have never cared very much for personal prizes. A person does not become a freedom fighter in the hope of winning awards.“ NELSON MANDELA
”TWEET THIS QUOTE
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I am fundamentally an optimist. “ ”NELSON MANDELA TWEET THIS QUOTE
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