"I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear."
Famous words from a man who changed history through his courage and steadfastness.
Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela was born in Transkei, South Africa on July 18, 1918. His father was Chief Henry Mandela of the Tembu Tribe. Mandela himself was educated at University College of Fort Hare and the University of Witwatersrand and qualified in law in 1942. He joined the African National Congress in 1944 and was engaged in resistance against the ruling National Party's apartheid policies after 1948. He went on trial for treason in 1956-1961 and was acquitted in 1961.
Here is the Mandela’s 8 Lessons of Leadership
1. Courage is not the absence of fear — it’s inspiring others to move beyond it.
2. Lead from the front — but don’t leave your base behind.
3. Lead from the back — and let others believe they are in front.
4. Know your enemy — and learn about his favorite sport.
5. Keep your friends close — and your rivals even closer.
6. Appearances matter — and remember to smile.
7. Nothing is black or white.
8. Quitting is leading too
Nelson was a risk taker. A brave man with a even braver heart who used a general feeling to empower the people and motivate them to stand for what they believe. He was in jail for 27 years and was released by the president of South Africa. When he was released he ran for president and created the first democratic government of South Africa. His primary goal was to eliminate the apartheid in South Africa. He was tolerant and persistent in his fight for freedom. Nelson Mandela famous leadership quote was "When you want to get a herd to move in a certain direction you stand at the back with a stick. Then a few of the more energetic cattle move to the front and the rest of the cattle follow. You are really guiding them from behind. That is how a leader should do his work"
Nelson believed a leader should act on his courage. A leader should be able to stand firm in the midst of problems and troubles and should be able to lead and motivated others in the midst of trouble too. A leader should be able to lead from the front and from the back. When everyone else is feeling down or discourage, a leader should be able to lead the way, motivating and encouraging his fellow men. A leader should also allow his fellow men to take up responsibilities. A leader should know how to delegate work to others to promote teamwork. In doing this, a leader will also gain respect and trust from his fellow men. A leader should know of the problems or obstacles surrounding a task. And he should know it well. A leader should be able to know how to overcome it as well. A leader must have a close relationship with his fellow men. Nobody wants to work with someone the hate or uncomfortable with. Maintaining a healthy work experience is a necessary for a leader. A leader should be able to carry himself well in front of his men as well as in the eyes of the world. Nobody wants to be with a leader who is weak or disoriented. A leader should also not take sides. A fair hearing is very important and necessary in times of a dispute. It is up to the leader to maintain peace and harmony with his fellow men. Finally a leader should also be able to know when to say no. Taking up an impossible task may affect the whole team and drain the good spirit it has.
Nelson has in fact influenced the world in a very positive way. He has brought change to his country with his courage and determination for a better tomorrow. He has set an example for the future generation of leaders. I would like to end my essay with another of Nelson’s famous words, "After climbing a great hill, one finds there are many more hills to climb. I have taken a moment here to rest, to steal a view of the glorious vista that surrounds me, to look back on the distance I have come. But I can only rest for moment, for with freedom comes responsibilities, and I dare not linger, for my long walk has not yet ended." with great power comes great responsibility, another famous quote by Winston Churchill best describes a leader’s role in a society. A leader has no time to linger, for he has a great task ahead of him. A leader should believe, act on love and mercy but above all have faith on the Almighty, for it is his responsibility to finish his task that was trusted to him.
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