For almost thirty years, one man wasted away in a lonely prison cell. Instead of giving up on life, he rather began a long walk to freedom which saw him leave prison, become president and win the Nobel peace prize. Nelson Rolihlahla Madiba Mandela was a genuine leader who influenced millions of followers worldwide - arguably more people than anyone in the history of the world save religious leaders.
How did he do this and what can you learn from him? Leadership coach, Kwamina, picks four simple lessons we can all learn from Madiba.
1. Put others first
After his release from Robben Island prison and winning the election to become the first black president of South Africa, Madiba could have made himself ‘president for life’. That was the order of the day among African leaders of the time and there would have been no complaints from majority of his country people or his party (ANC) but Mandela refused. He also refused to payback his jailers and those who oppressed him because he felt it was not in the interest of South Africa. He placed others first.
2. Stay humble
In his lifetime, many people wanted to raise him to the status of a god and idolise him to satisfy their own spiritual emptiness. He resisted such attempts. Like you and I, he had his flaws and openly admitted them to those who wanted to worship him. He was humble enough to remember that he was a mere mortal with breath that lasts but for a moment and wasn’t immune to the common fears and diseases of humans including tuberculosis TB, which he recovered from and campaigned heavily for till his passing.
In fact because he was so humble, all forms of people from playful children, pop singers , football players to powerful world leaders were dying to spend time with him. He made everyone comfortable in his presence.
3. Leave a legacy
Mandela lived the 5Ls; Live, Learn, Linkup, Love and Legacy. He taught us that we have to be conscious about living our footprints in this vast world for others to see and follow.
He linked up and connected with people worldwide and internationalised the African word UBUNTU which means we are because of others and we owe each other a sense of gratitude. He showed us that evil is not sustainable and good will always triumph. He made us believe again in ourselves as Africans.
4. Wear a SMILE
Never have I seen Madiba in or out of the limelight with a frown. He always wore a SMILE and that smile has taught me that irrespective of my circumstances I should SMILE. A leader’s smile is good because it gives followers and bystanders hope to face their individual challenges. SMILE no matter what, because it has Selflessness, Mortality, Iconism, Legacy and Egalitarianism embedded in it.
The life lessons of the man who ‘was not a saint but acted saintly' will make us better people. And while 'we’ll always fall short of Mandela's example, he makes us want to be better human beings'.
What does Mandela mean to you? drop a comment and share in his memory.Like newaccra on Facebook for more
What does Mandela mean to you? drop a comment and share in his memory.Like newaccra on Facebook for more
photo. thesouthafrican.com
6 comments:
Nice, straight to the point.
Thanks for passing by FAB. Have you liked newaccra on facebook yet?
It's amazing how leaders of all shades, from the East and the West, from the North and the South, are all celebrating Mandela. Thanks for distilling some of his key attributes in this post.
Yes gamelmag. His influence clearly crossed borders. We will all learn a lot by following his example.
I think what he did for South-Africa was beyond great. But one has to question where our knowledge comes from because it is to serve the interest of someone. The discourse surrounding the end of Apartheid reminds of Paul Gilroy's lecture:"What really ended slavery". The ANC did not contribute as much as we like to believe to the end of Apartheid. And once we realize that we will then understand why those behind Apartheid regime, the masterminds were never punished. Heck, Germany jumped through many hoops to bring Nazi masterminds to justice. But it was not the case in South-Africa and we do not seem to question why. In my opinion people like Steve Biko should be celebrated. He is not because, because it is not in the self-interest of the ANC and NP for more people to know him. Knowledge is never innocent.
http://www.spiked-online.com/newsite/article/mandelas_cult_like_worshippers_rewriting_history/14410#.UvSQjkJdVqc
Thanks for your insight Kiroho.
Ending apartheid cannot be a one-man effort, so Steve Biko and several other unnamed patriots should be celebrated too.
It's funny but history has a way of cutting a long story of struggle short and crediting a few figurehead individuals for the collective effort of many. But thankfully, the truly great - such as Mandela stated several times that they did not do it alone! Thanks for reminding us that many people played a role in ending apartheid.
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