Nelson Mandela: A Leadership Essay

There are both leaders and followers in this world, no matter which you are it is undeniable that without the leaders society would fall apart. Leadership as defined in the dictionary is “ a person who guides or directs a group”, although accurate this simple sentence does not give justice to the importance of leadership. People need to be guided and have someone to look up to, and whether you are born with leadership or acquire it the way you utilize it is the most critical. There are and have been many impressive leaders in this world but one who stands out is Nelson Mandela. Born into the Madiba tribe of South Africa a name he would later adopt as his own, he is known for his philanthropy, strong political influence, and being a revolutionist in the anti-apartheid of South Africa. He is such a shining example of ideal leadership not just because of the impact he had but the starkly different way he handled things for his time. He advocated compassion, forgiveness and determination causing him to be the first black president of South African reigning from 1994-1999. His death this december caused grief but also a celebration of the wonderful influential life he enjoyed. This union of people demonstrated how many lives he touched and the vivacious presence he brought wherever he went, which is why he will forever be known as one of the best rulers, one who truly defines leadership in the most veracious of ways.

Madiba embodies many and almost all of the characteristics needed to be a successful leader along with bringing some more unconventional ways. One trait that he manifested was courage, in fact one of his most famous quotes deals with it “I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The b...

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...ught after for his knowledge and expertise especially in the area of equality and rights. As for the identity influence, Madiba was a very well respected man. People thought that they could trust him, as he believed in morally sound things and stood up for what would better the general public. This gave people comfort in confidence or looking up to him.

In summary a truly spectacular person was lost this december, and together the whole world wept for the loss of an international leader. Nelson Mandela will continue to be remembered as a soft spoken, assertive, righteous man who embodied leadership characteristics such as courage,understanding, and communication. All of which he used when ruling under a mixed management style leaning heavily towards the strategic side due to the fact that people admired him because of his expert and identity influence which he had.