Life Lessons
Lessons from a Visionary — Nelson Mandela
Tips on how to be a contagious leader
In 1994, Nelson Mandela was traveling in a small propeller plane to give a speech for his Zulu supporters. During the flight, one of the engines failed and all the passengers were terrified. However, seeing Mandela quietly reading his newspaper, everyone tried to stay calm. After the safe emergency landing of the plane, Mandela sat in the car and said to his friend Rick Stengel — “Man, I was terrified up there!”
In a difficult situation like this, it’s the leader’s job to show strength and it was his strength that people had faith in. Not only in the plane but in real life, Mandela had a huge impact on his people. He was not a leader because of his position but because he had earned it.
He realized the importance of peace and the supremacy of being able to partner with his enemy. That’s how he single-handedly changed the face of South Africa. As said by him once:
“To make peace with an enemy one must work with that enemy, and that enemy becomes one’s partner.”
Although there are so many aspects to his life, on this Mandela day, I have captured 5 learnings that in my opinion define why he was such a great leader. If incorporated, these learnings have the power to make you a contagious leader as well.
1. Stay Strong and Be Persistent
During one of his non-violent protests in 1964, Mandela was arrested and left a free man 27 years later. So strong was his belief in his cause that he held up with it for almost 3 decades. Of course, all of us know that it is because of him that today, children in Africa are born in a free world but what if he had fallen for the negativity? Mandela once said:
“Do not judge me by my successes, judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again.”
All of us aspire to do great in our lives. But, either because of a “cocoon vision” or because of lack of courage, we sometimes fall back. A leader will never back down, they will always be hopeful and have a strong belief in their cause. It is their persistent attitude that defines them.
“A winner is a dreamer who never gives up”.
So, stay strong and stand tall like a wall.
2. Be Approachable
One of the most appreciated qualities of Nelson Mandela was to be able to put people at ease. He was also called “Madiba” meaning ‘father” by many. Such approachable was his personality that people felt his pain with him during his later years. Imagine the kind of love and respect that surrounded him.
This is much easier said than done. But whenever possible, practice an open culture in your team. Allow people to open up to you by indulging in conversations about their dreams, aspirations, issues, and challenges. Make them feel important, make them feel you are there. This not only develops a very positive team culture with high confidence and team spirit but also helps in avoiding any miscommunication within the team.
3. Walk Your Talk
The 1995 Rugby world cup, was a tense situation in South Africa. It was the 1st time that a multiracial government was in power. Almost the entire rugby team being white, the morale was a little down. Mandela sensed the situation and made personal visits to the team. He took it as his responsibility to boost the team’s morale and bring the best out of it.
History is to tell that the South African team not only played the Rugby world cup championship but also won it. For Mandela, one colour dominance was never the goal. He kept his nation above the personal issues faced by the country and led to an exemplary success.
In your lives too, focus on your team’s betterment. Try to leverage the benefits of a multicultural and diverse team. Treat all equally. Everyone has something to bring up to the table, as a leader it’s your responsibility to show that every member is equally important, be it junior or senior, man, woman or trans*.
4. Make sure no one is left behind
Have you noticed how the older tribes led their troops? They made sure that no one is left behind. To begin with, they had people who could show the right direction, but the leader was always behind them. Mandela had a similar philosophy.
“Lead from the back — and let others believe they are in front.”
History has proved time and again that the biggest leaders are the ones who have inspired their teams in every circumstance. In your daily lives, take every opportunity to bring out the best in your team. A leader who keeps their people’s interest before their own is almost inherently the successful ones. This does not mean- lose your aim, it only means making everyone’s contribution count towards the bigger goal.
5. Be the Better Generation
Lastly, a learning not only for leaders but for every single individual.
Throughout his life, Mandela fought for human rights and equality. He suffered imprisonment by choice to oppose not only white but black discrimination. Sadly, even today, the situation has not changed much. We are still fighting for racial equality and movements like “Black lives matter” have regained significance. Isn’t it high time to focus on the right things?
As rightly quoted by him:
“Sometimes it falls upon a generation to be great, you can be that generation”.
If you are already a leader then you have the possibility to set things right. If you are aiming to be one then start walking your talk. Be ready to take responsibilities and own them both the success and the consequences. After all, a clear vision, rock strong belief, and the ability to uplift people is how a leader brings glory to their people.
