Nelson Mandela – 30 Leadership Lessons

1 Background

Nelson Mandela was one of the most famous figures of the 20th and 21st century.

He was known as the revolutionary, peacemaker, leader and humanitarian amongst others.

Many dignitaries and public figures would have and did give anything to have a meeting with

him or be seen with him.

History will show that he was a complex character and that he was able to adapt to a variety of

situations with ease.

He was not intimidated by anyone as his relaxed encounter with Queen Elizabeth proved.

Nelson exhibited many leadership qualities and styles, depending on who he was with and the

situation he found himself in.

It was behind bars that Madiba learnt his most valuable lessons in leadership. As he himself has

acknowleged, prison shaped him. He went in angry, convinced that the only way of achieving his

people’s freedom was by force of arms. Given the enormity of the injustice to which the eighty-

five percent of the population who were not white had been subjected since the arrival of the first

European settlers in 1652, this was not surprising.

The prison experience elevated Mandela to higher political aims and this set him apart from the

other freedom fighters within his South Africa and those operating beyond its borders. What he

learnt was that pursuing vengeance and violence may have brought the enemy to the negotiating

table but it would not bring about lasting change; He interacted with his jailers and observed

them closely, eventually coming to the realization that that black and white people had far more

In a world dominated by leaders with autocratic tendencies, Mandela stood apart. He had in

him the rare combination of leadership, courage, wisdom and foresight. He remains among

the 20th century’s greatest freedom fighters and statesmen. (Business Day)

in common than they had differences; he learnt that forgiveness and generosity and, more

importantly, respect were weapons of political persuasion as powerful as any weapon or violent

act.

While researchers have been unable to identify exactly what makes a great leader, they have

been able to identify the characteristics without which one cannot lead effectively. Here are some

examples:

Whilst this article does not use exactly the same terms as those used above, it is evident that

Nelson Mandela exhibited most, if not all of the leadership characteristics of a great leader.

According to Hersey and Blanchard, there are four main leadership styles:

Telling (S1) – Leaders tell their people what to do and how to do it.

Selling (S2) – Leaders provide information and direction, but there's more

communication with followers. Leaders "sell" their message to get people on board.

Participating (S3) – Leaders focus more on the relationship and less on direction. The

leader works with the team, and shares decision-making responsibilities.

Delegating (S4) – Leaders pass most of the responsibility onto the follower or group. The

leaders still monitor progress, but they're less involved in decisions.

source: Mindtools.com

According to Leadership 501; The five

leadership traits/leadership qualities are:

1. Honest

2. Forward-Looking

3. Competent

4. Inspiring

5. Intelligent

6. Situational Leadership

According to John Murphy;

leaders:

1. Get results

2. Care

3. Share their “Why”

4. Deliver on commitments

5. Develop talent

6. Clearly value people over

process

Nelson Mandela was able to apply each of these styles during his lifetime.

He often "told" his ANC colleagues what to do and did so in a manner that indicated that he

would not tolerate a NO. Nelson was quite capable of being an autocrat when the situation

demanded it. He showed this during negotiations with the National party and many times after

that when his party members stepped out of line.

He "sold" South Africa and his favourite interests on numerous occasions and showed that he

was fully aware of his personal charisma and the value of his personal brand.

He participated in numerous high level and sometimes low profile activities in a way which

indicated that he fully understood the value of relationship building, as he did when he supported

the rugby world cup and put his full support behind the soccer world cup.

He delegated many things to many people but indicated that he would hold them accountable in

each case. The approach also depended very much on the impact and importance of the situation.

It was clear that Thabo Mbeki remained very unsettled when he was president and Nelson

Mandela had more influence and presence than him when he was present. He was able to lead

people to greatness without over controlling.

2 Forgiveness Perhaps Mandela’s greatest achievement was that he prevailed upon his people to

shun revenge. (Business day live).

“The time for the healing of the wounds has

come. The moment to bridge the chasms that

divide us has come. The time to build is upon

us.” (10 May 1994)

3 Knowing when to compromise

4 Autocracy The following are extracts from a Mail & Guardian article written in 2013:

IN 1995, SOUTH AFRICAN

RUGBY CAPTAIN FRANCIOS

PIENAAR RECEIVES THE RUGBY

WORLD CUP FROM PRESIDENT

NELSON MANDELA, WHO

WEARS THE GREEN SPRINGBOK

JERSEY.

“Not always the secular saint, Nelson Mandela's decisions showed a streak of autocratic

decision-making that belies the image of the true democrat. “Nelson Mandela was not always a

softie.

He believed in action and led by example, both by getting military training and becoming the

chief volunteer during the defiance campaign. But at the core of all this militancy was always a

desire to get the white colonial regime to come to the table and talk.

Once he was released, the concept of him as the first among equals persisted, and thus the

announcement that the ANC would not follow through on nationalisation as promised in the

Freedom Charter was made in Europe, with the rest of the ANC leadership left to scramble

either to understand and follow, or to contradict the icon. The decision stood.

5 Humility “I stand here before you not as a prophet but as

a humble servant of you, the people. Your

tireless and heroic sacrifices have made it

possible for me to be here today. I therefore

place the remaining years of my life in your

hands.”

Speech on the day of his release, Cape Town

(11 February 1990)

Danny Jordaan, the president of the South African Football Association, tells the story of how

the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee decided that the Springbok

emblem should be abolished in favour of the Protea for all sporting codes. Mandela forced it to

rescind a democratically taken decision that was designed to show that sport was transforming.

All this shows a streak of autocratic decision-making that belies the image of the true democrat.

It was because he had determined where the country should go and how it would get there, and

would not brook what to him were worthless gestures. Primary to this was not to appease, but

rather to cajole people – particularly Afrikaans-speaking whites – into believing that they had a

place in this country.”

Source: http://mg.co.za/article/2013-12-12-saluting-mandela-an-autocratic-democrat

6 Courage Nelson Mandela showed his courage by being prepared to be incarcerated and even be put to

death for the cause he believed in. He often took the unpopular route when making decisions for

the right reasons.

7 Ability to build relationships Nelson Mandela had an uncanny ability to build relationships by

finding common ground. He spent time reaching out to people

that others would find unacceptable or at best strange. A very

good example of this was when he went to meet with Betsy

Verwoerd.

Courage

“I’ve 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.”

Nelson Mandela and FW de Klerk

worked hard at building a relationship

in the interests of a united country, as

the extract of a report shows below:

“One of the stories that Mr. De

Klerk shared was in response to a

question concerning how his

relationship with Nelson Mandela

developed. Mr. de Klerk was, of

course, the President who

released Mr. Mandela from jail

and who set in motion the

dismantling of the apartheid

system of government that had

left his country on the brink of

civil war and isolated from the rest of the World.

The story of how their relationship developed provided key lesson for all of us

when meeting new people with whom we

want to work going forward. It was

particularly striking when you consider

the huge differences in the two men's

backgrounds and political beliefs.

When they first met, Mr. de Klerk said

that they steered clear of talking about

politics. They both knew by then each

other's position and instead Mandela

“President Nelson Mandela dropped in for coffee

with the widow of the man who virtually

invented white rule. It was one of the stranger

sights in post-apartheid South Africa. Orania is

no leafy suburb where Afrikaner ladies like

diminutive Betsie Verwoerd, 94, typically live.

This spartan desert settlement amounts to an

Afrikaner kibbutz inhabited by 460 whites.

Mandela's visit to the heartland of white

Afrikaner territory was part of his efforts to unite

all of South Africa's citizens into one country.”

Adapted from an article on Zapiro.com

impressed de Klerk with his knowledge of South African military history and

admiration for Boer Generals. Speaking with de Klerk about something of interest

to both of them, where they were not likely to argue but instead find common

views, would have strengthened the relationship going forward when discussions

would be less amicable.” Andy Lopata (Friday, May 15, 2009)

8 Emotional Intelligence

Some people believe that emotional intelligence is now outdated and have added other factors or

have changed the wording but the 25 associated competencies remain significant in forming and

managing lasting relationships. Nelson Mandela exhibited a good few of these competencies

throughout his life and especially in the latter part thereof.

9 The ability to inspire and motivate

Leadership is often about having a compelling vision and leading others towards it. It is also

about creating the environment in which others can

perform as is required of them.

Nelson created an environment of hope, trust and

passion in a period during which all South

Africans had a great desire to do their part in

reaching the dream of a Rainbow Nation.

I personally do not believe that one can motivate

others but can create the environment in which

people are motivated to excel and contribute to the attainment of a shared vision.

10 Principled

A great leader has integrity, is principled and will not compromise on his ideals. Madiba did not

compromise and stuck to what he believed in for a lifetime.

11 Leading from the front

Nelson Mandela was not afraid to lead from the front and often took great risks in doing so. He

retained his drive during long periods of imprisonment and ensured that he remained fit and

strong throughout, never forgetting to challenge himself further, as shown when he obtained his

law degree by correspondence.

He often made the first move in difficult situations, causing others to follow his lead.

He took others with him, as is shown when he showed that he was prepared to work with the

"enemy" and even appointed members of the past government to portfolios in the government of

national unity.

12 Know your enemy

“If politics is about winning people over,

Mandela, as numerous other politicians have

attested, was the master of the game. He had

at his command an irresistibly seductive

cocktail that combined boundless charm born of

a vast self-confidence with inflexible principle, strategic vision and the canniest

pragmatism.” The Guardian – 7 December 2013.

“General Constand Viljoen succumbed to Mandela’s lethally effective political

cocktail of charm, respect, integrity, pragmatism and hard-nosed sense.”

The Cairo Review

Nelson Mandela ensured that he knew his opponents and spent a lot of time getting to know

them. He ensured that he kept the Afrikaaners close to him so that he could understand how they

thought and what drove them to specific actions. What he eventually found was that the enemy

was also humena. In fact the enemy came to the same conclusion about him.

“If you want to make peace with

your enemy, you have to work

with your enemy.

Then he becomes your partner”.

- Nelson Mandela

13 Letting others lead from the back

Nelson raised an army of leaders who were willing to

do their part, simply because he inspired them. He was

willing to let them do what they believed to be right,

without belittling them or over controlling when this

was required.

Nelson Mandela

14 Charm and Charisma

It is undeniable that Nelson had charm and charisma, as

well as more than a little element of fun. The Mandela

smile that was always at the ready and the Madiba Jive

are evidence of these.

When Nelson got involved in a cause, his charisma

became evident as was the case when he wore the

springbok rugby jersey at the rugby world cup held in

South Africa. His presence inspired others to do more,

as was the case with the Springboks winning despite

stiff competition.

15 Knowing when to quit

Unlike many African leaders, Mandela knew when to

quit and graciously stepped back to allow others to do

their bit.

He ensured that the territory was in a good state and was

willing to let go, despite all that he had personally

endured to achieve what can only be described as a remarkable outcome.

16 Be yourself

Madiba did not try to emulate anyone else and was true to himself for as long as he lived.

“It is better to lead from behind

and to put others in front,

especially when you celebrate

victory when nice things occur.

You take the front line when there

is danger. Then people will

appreciate your leadership.”

“Mandela, the great

statesman, was brilliant in his

analysis of a situation and in

cajoling others to follow his

path and dream. He was a

leader who worked for them,

not for himself. And so when

his family was torn apart, the

nation wept with him, for they

knew that part of the reason

for his pain was his sacrifices

for them.” (Source – Mail &

Guardian)

It is difficult to think of anyone who was even reasonably like Nelson Mandela in modern times.

He was often compared to Ghandi, but was as unlike Ghandi as anyone else.

17 Balance, Discipline and Tenacity

Mandela knew how to balance work and family life.

He worked extremely hard and put in long hours but

still found time for his children and grand children.

He had a very special place for children in his life

and ensured that he did what he could to improve

the lot of underprivileged children.

18 Service and social work

Madiba committed himself to selfless community service and spent a huge amount of time

ensuring that his dreams and passions were implemented. South Africa grew dramatically during

his leadership and he ensured that the whole world gave to these causes.

He established numerous foundations, charities and social institutions during his presidency and

inspired many others to do the same.

19 Planning and goal setting

Nelson had big, wide, audacious goals (BWAGs) and did not stray from them during a long

period of incarceration and during the 20 plus years from his release form prison. He continued

to plan and execute many of the things that were dear to him, even when his health was clearly

suffering.

20 Communication

Nelson Mandela was famous for his oratory skills. He

spoke clearly and deliberately, never without passion

and he got his message across every time.

"our march to freedom is

irreversible"

Many of his punch lines are still remembered to this day.

21 Courtesy and Respect

22 Fairness Madiba was committed to fair play, as was shown in his many interactions with others and

specifically when confronted with territorial wars, where he did everything he could to broker

peace.

“The history of our country is such that we still have to create the conditions for fair play

and justice to be secure. Our government has initiated measures to address the inequalities

and imbalances of the past. But this will take time. The wounds of past injustice need to be

healed and the deep divisions removed for ever. Reconstruction and reconciliation, nation-

building and development must go hand-in-hand.” (Fair Play Awards Pretoria).

23 Compassion Mandela showed compassion in many ways, but his

overwhelming commitment was to address poverty

and suffering, as was shown by the number of causes

that he supported.

Nelson Mandela fought poverty and AIDS and

supported some 50 charities. He also established a

number and motivated many to establish even more.

24 Grace Nelson's graceful exit from the political spotlight is

sometimes overlooked. After one five-year term,

Mandela voluntarily stepped down from the presidency

in 1999, though he could have served a second term. It

was an extraordinary act on a continent where many

leaders expect to rule for life, and often do.

Mandela and Boris Yeltzin.

When Mandela and Boris were signing a friendship

agreement between the two countries, the Russians

were there typical stoic selves.

When Boris was signing after Nelson and taking a lot of time, Mandela clapped him on the back,

smiled, and said, "You have much neater handwriting than me!"

Many in the room chuckled gratefully, including Yeltsin. The tension was released. This was the

Mandela magic at work, grace rescuing an awkward moment

Compassion

“Overcoming poverty is not a

task of charity, it is an act of

justice. Like Slavery and

Apartheid, poverty is not

natural. It is man-made and it

can be overcome and eradicated

by the actions of human beings.

Sometimes it falls on a

generation to be great. YOU can

be that great generation. Let

your greatness blossom.”

Trafalgar Square 2005.

25 Simplicity Not many men call Britain's Queen Elizabeth II "Elizabeth", much less dare to comment on her

dress style or weight.

Nelson Mandela was one of them. (Reuters).

26 Pick the right team

When Nelson formed the government of national unity, he ensured that he picked the right

people to lead, irrespective of colour. He reached out to select people who could positively help

with the country’s transformation.

27 Hard work Mandela was known for his ability to work long

hours and work to a punishing schedule. He set the

tone in the cabinet and politics in general, showing

the way for many who may have felt entitled to an

easier life. His personal assistant, Zelda Le Grange

attested to this work ethic many times and was in

fact very protective of him, ensuring that he did

not overdo it.

28 Integrity Mandela lived by his principles. He did not deviate from his intentions and did not vary his

commitment to the cause of the ANC and beyond that to the cause of a united South Africa.

Nelson Mandela on integrity, At the

British Red Cross Humanity Lecture,

Queen Elizabeth Conference Centre,

London, England (10 July 2003). Source:

From Nelson Mandela By Himself: The

Authorised Book of Quotations © 2010 by

Nelson R. Mandela and The Nelson

Mandela Foundation

“THOSE WHO CONDUCT

THEMSELVES WITH MORALITY,

INTEGRITY AND CONSISTENCY

NEED NOT FEAR THE FORCES OF

INHUMANITY AND CRUELTY. “

29 Working to leave a legacy

Mandela fought hard to unite all

South Africans and to instil a sense of

justice and fairness in the legal and

political systems. He even managed to

unite two opposing political parties in

a government of national unity.

What he left South Africa with was a

will and a pride plus a sense that

anything is possible despite seemingly

insurmountable obstacles.

Whilst it is apparent that his political

successors did not live up to

expectations, South Africa is still

better off as a result of his leadership

and legacy. The world still sees South

Africa as a jewel in Africa and an

example of what could be when a

nation unites under a great leader.

30 Close Nelson Mandela showed himself to be

a remarkable leader who showed

many of the characteristics of great

leaders who had come before him.

He left a great legacy of reconciliation

and pragmatism, after having

experienced great hardship in getting

to his dream.

The Mandela Legacy

“And so it proved. Mandela’s wisdom in reaching

out to the old enemy, repressing any vengeful

impulses he might have accumulated during his

twenty-seven years in prison, is the principal

reason why South Africa has consolidated its

transition from tyranny to democracy, and done so

not, in the time-honored style of revolutions,

through repression, but by persuasion. The

triumphant expression of Mandela’s life’s work is

seen in a political system that, seventeen years

after he took power, remains as stable as it is

authentically democratic. The rule of law, freedom

of speech, free and fair elections: these are the

gifts Mandela has bequeathed his nation.

The big truth is that Mandela, like Lincoln,

achieved the historically rare feat of uniting a

fiercely divided country. The feat is rare because

what ordinary politicians have always done is seek

power by highlighting difference and fueling

antagonism. Mandela sought it by appealing to

people’s common humanity.”

The Cairo Review of Global Affairs – November

4, 2014

He was able to forgive and move on, establishing a great vision for South Africa, which many

other countries sought to emulate and indeed duplicate.

His leadership led South Africa into one of its most prosperous periods, where many were

clamouring to bring major events or simply visit the “Rainbow Nation” to experience it for

themselves.

Written by Angelo Kehayas

November 2014