The institutional affiliation
Nelson Mandela is considered to be one of the few statesmen who have achieved almost universal respect around the world and within the political elite. Mandela’s “exceptionalism” was in his ability to motivate people to reconcile, to be patient and tolerant to each other. Believing that one day the good would prevail all the bad in the humanity, his way of thinking became a great role model for achieving justice where human rights were abused (Schoenmaker, 2014).
Nelson Mandela was a dedicated leader who had the capacity to sacrifice his own interests for the sake of the national interests and higher causes. He was a peacemaker who intended to reinstate the apartheid law of South Africa with multi-racial democracy. Nelson Mandela demonstrated by his own example that a freedom fighter is the one who must suppress many of personal emotions which make him feel a separated individual rather than a part of the community.
Having grown up within tribal traditional costumes’ Mandela realized that listening to someone’s ideas is more important than talk or make own decisions. He combined the tactics observed from South African tribal chiefs, formal education and personal experiences with the politics of the ruling parties. Thus, he learned that leaders should use their power to bring people together rather than slash them apart. Mandel’s life demonstrates a clear contrast to the behavior of many modern political and business leaders who take power as for granted and want the limelight only when things are going well, and blame others when things do not work. Nelson Mandela, like all successful leaders, employed different leadership strategies in order to influence others through communication most appropriate for particular circumstances (Williams, 2013).
Mandela followed a democratic leadership style throughout his movement against apartheid and fight for democracy in South Africa. Mandela’s acceptance of the principles of democratic leadership allowed him to boost the communication between South Africa’s community and social groups, and influence dramatic changes in his nation’s political situation. He motivated his followers and earned their commitment by being a member of the African National Congress (ANC). In fact, the democratic leadership style applied by Mandela is based on mutual respect and was successfully combined with participatory leadership that requires collaboration between leaders and the community (Schoenmaker & Krupp, 2014). As a democratic leader, Nelson Mandela developed new policies through discussions, encouraging group members to interact and cooperate with each other. In the speech given after his release from prison, Mandela underlined the importance of involving all South Africans in the common efforts towards democratic changes which cannot take place behind the backs of the people. Mandela believed in the democratic values, even though he did not always initially agree with the results. Thus, his attempt to have prisoners addressed more respectfully by guards during his imprisonment, and later his intention to have the national voting age lowered to 14 can serve as a good example of his pursuits that did not bring the expected results (Schoenmaker & Krupp, 2014).
In fact, it is hard to imagine democratic leaders who accomplish their goals without direct participation of the community. Participation leadership, being the basis to all successful democratic strategies, is an arrangement in which power is shared among individuals who are hierarchical unequal. Democratic/participative leaders are able to produce decisions for the good of the whole community, even when their own suggestions are not adopted. Leaders that incorporate the democratic style need to know how to avoid the mistakes that can make collaborative teams fall apart when they lose their compass (Gill, 2014).
Mandela’s leadership success can be explained by his use of consensus according to the democracy and equality principles. Despite being repeatedly provoked, he never answered racism to racism. He considered consensus as a superior decision making process, allowing building inspiration and commitment in the community. Nelson Mandela was a great motivator to South Africa, to the whole world, and to all who opposed deprivation and oppression. Nowadays, Nelson Mandela is an embodiment of a revolutionary leader who has the talent to empower and motivate other people by means of strong regard for consensus and the democratic principles serving for the good of the world society.
References
Gill, E. (2014). What is democratic/participative leadership? How collaboration can boost morale. Retrieved May 20, 2016 from http://online.stu.edu/democratic-participative-leadership/
Schoenmaker, P., J., H. (2014). Nelson Mandela as a strategic leader. Retrieved May 20, 2016 from http://www.europeanbusinessreview.com/?p=477
Schoenmaker, P., J., H, & Krupp, S. (2014). Six principles that made Nelson Madela a renowned leader. Retrieved May 20, 2016 from http://fortune.com/2014/12/05/6-principles-that-made-nelson-mandela-a-renowned-leader/
Williams, R. (2013). Why Nelson Mandela was a great leader. Retrieved May 20, 2016 from https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/wired-success/201312/why-nelson-mandela-was-great-leader
