Transformational Leadership: Martin Luther King Jr. And Nelson Mandela

Transformational leadership is defined as the type of leadership where the leader identifies the changes required, creates a vision and guides the changes through to execution. The purpose of the leader is also to assist individuals within an organization to identify the importance of their roles in the job to the benefit of the organization. (Waddelll, 2013, page 170). For instance a leader can be a role model that inspires followers to challenge beyond their self-interest for the benefit of the group. Two such individuals who changed the course of history and showed such attributes were Martin Luther King Jr and Nelson Mandela, they created a vision to free the people from oppression using peaceful means and inspiring not only a nation but

the world. Between Martin Luther King and Nelson Mandela, they both demonstrate the key characteristics of transformational leadership, which are idealized influence, inspirational motivation, intellectual stimulation and individualized consideration.

There are four characteristics of a transformational leader.

Idealised Influence, a charismatic role model who builds confidence and trust (Pachamama Alliance, 2015, para 7 ) , this includes engendering trust, admiration, loyalty and respect from their followers (Brighthub, 2012, para 4).Inspirational motivation, provides meaningful work and sets high standards (Pachamama Alliance, 2015, para 8) , this includes inspiring followers towards new ideas or goals(Brighthub, 2012, para 6). Intellectual stimulation, encourages creativity by questioning common assumption and beliefs, it is aimed at self-reflective change of values and beliefs (Brighthub, 2012, para 10). Consideration, a mentor who responds to individual needs, each follower is treated as a “whole” individual rather than an employee. (Brighthub, 2012, para

12).

Martin Luther King Jr. expressed idealised influence by displaying admirable behaviours and a vision of equality, such as to allow his supporters to recognise him as a leader. King states: “A genuine leader is not a searcher for consensus but a molder of consensus”. (BrainyQuote, 2015)

King Jr was born into a family of Baptist Ministers on the 15th of January 1929 in Atlanta, Georgia. King eventually became a Baptist Minister and emerged to American prominence as a leader of Civil Rights in the mid 1950’s until his assassination in 1968, he was the only leader who achieved progress towards racial equality than anyone in previous years.

King was one of the most influential and inspirational leaders in the 1920’s, he was recognized as being a nonviolent, black, democratic rights and religious leader.

During the “March for Jobs” (History.com Staff, 2009, para 3) also known as the “March on Washington” (History.com Staff, 2009, para 1) in 1963, King’s speech “I Have a Dream” (History.com Staff, 2009, para 1) showed the people that greatness can be achieved by non-violence, perseverance and a strong belief in a vision which lead to legal equality for African Americans. A prime example at the Southern Christian Leadership Conference Dr. King received a telegram from President John F. Kennedy admiring him for his contribution for democracy for all (McGurie & Hutchings, 2007). President Kennedy went on to say that all thought it was a difficult and dangerous battle, this showed that King was following his vision/dream to free the enslaved without any regard for his own personal safety (McGurie & Hutchings, 2007). This suggests that King was highly effective towards political leaders and the majority of the American people, he changed their point of view and values towards black people. Therefore King’s influence upheld the moral and ethic that brought about change towards the attitude of the political leaders and the population of America. Due to King using the power of words to get his message across the Civil Rights and the Voting Rights Acts were passed which essentially broke down all barriers between

coloured and whites.

Another leader, Nelson Mandela, demonstrated intellectual stimulation through his abilities to be creative and innovative. Born in 1918, Mandela grew up contributing to the freedom struggle of his people.. He approached both negative and positive issues with a strategic approach. Mandela assisted with finalising the national advocate for human rights, a peaceful protest against the white society that racially divided South Africa. For his actions he went to prison for three decades.

On his release in 1990, Mandela participated in the eradication of apartheid in both South Africa and internationally. Due to his belief and with the support of his people, Mandela became the first black president of South Africa, he formed a multiethnic government that saw the country’s transition. Mandela planned to bring together South Africa, an example was introducing Rugby to be played by the blacks, previously this sport was only played by whites. Mandela believed this would be a good way to allow blacks and whites to gain a close relationship. Mandela made it more than just a game, this sport was the bondage between the blacks and whites.

Mandela continued to champion for peace and social justice not just for South Africa but around the world.

Looking at these leaders King and Mandela, the attributes that I believe are important for transformational leadership style is the strong belief in their vision, setting goals, breaking down barriers, perseverance, and a belief in helping others. They have a strong connection to their words, they are passionate and connected well to their colleagues on a personal level. Both leaders worked hard over a period of years, they became leaders of various groups, and changed ideas and introduced rules and laws that provided freedom to the oppressed. Both paved a way for every one to be equal regardless of colour, status, religion or belief.

Therefore King and Mandela demonstrate characteristics of transformational leadership, which include idealised influence, inspirational motivation, intellectual stimulation and individualised consideration, which have an impact their followers. These leaders impacted their organisations by taking a personalized approach, understanding the needs of the audience, putting in place changes for the benefit of mankind. Both King and Mandela believed in their word, the use of nonviolence to inform and encourage the masses, and society was changed by peaceful means.