Menu
Find Inspiration in Madiba’s Enduring Leadership Lessons
Great leaders like Nelson Mandela are forged out of adversity. With the hardship he experienced, he could have retreated into a life of solace. Instead, he used his challenges to build strength, open his heart, and guide our nation forward. Madiba’s leadership during the 1995 Rugby World Cup displayed mastery. Today we are grateful to find inspiration in his enduring lessons.
A Leader for the Occasion
Producer Clint Eastwood perfectly captured South Africa’s knife-edge moment in his 2009 film Invictus. It was 1995, and 16 nations descended on our country to fight for The Rugby World Cup. But for South Africans, there was so much more at stake.
Nelson Mandela had just become the country’s first democratically elected president. And although his appointment brought hope, bubbling racial tension threatened to derail a peaceful and unified future.
Mandela shared his belief that there could be a positive outcome for the nation if the Springboks won the cup. The Springboks responded with a gritty tournament-clinching performance.
Not only did we win the World Cup, but captain Francois Pienaar and President Nelson Mandela stood side by side in an iconic show of reconciliation and gave South Africans hope. It was a masterful display of leadership by both men.
Our new state leader’s contribution was special… he’d skilfully navigated complex social issues and brought millions of South Africans together. But exactly how did he do it?
An Authentic Leadership Touch
- Strategic Vision
Mandela was a visionary and knew how much rugby meant to South Africans. He saw the potential in having everyone work towards one common objective.
- Inspired Action
He rallied black South Africans to back the historically white institution they’d come to oppose. He managed to connect with people on a deep emotional level to inspire change and action.
He also spent time with the team and shared Invictus, a poem which had inspired him on some of his darkest prison days. This motivated them to dig deep against unfavourable odds.
- Leading by Example
He was committed to his belief in unity and formed a racially diverse security team that at first showed apprehension in working together, but eventually warmed up to the prospect. He showed that change started with him.
- Resilience
Many people were against reconciliation and tried to undermine him and his vision for a unified South Africa. But he brushed their resistance aside, endured the pressure and focused on the goal.
He displayed many other inspiring leadership traits. He was compassionate, decisive, trustworthy and an excellent communicator. His authentic and heartfelt approach had a profound impact on the world.
Unlock Your Leadership Greatness
Madiba’s leadership offers us tools that we can use to improve our lives and businesses. His strategic vision, for example, the ability to see future scenarios and the steps required to reach them, is the key to achieving large goals.
Or the ability to engage with employees and teams on a deeper, more meaningful level. It was one of Mandela’s signature traits and could also help you build critical relationships in your business and help you influence others.
These are just some essential skills that can be mastered through Change Partners Coaching and leadership development initiatives.
We provide world-class Executive Coaching to develop high-impact leaders. This powerful tool builds emotional intelligence and resilience and gives you the skills to perform in the most demanding levels of business.
Our Team Effectiveness Coaching and Group Coaching initiatives help your employees understand the team dynamic and become cohesive, high-performing units skilled at resolving conflicts and empowered to tackle complex tasks.
Nelson Mandela left us many examples of how to live a worthy and inspired life – pursuing leadership mastery may be one of the most meaningful ways to celebrate that legacy.
With a diverse team of professionals experienced in unlocking leadership excellence, and tuned to the future of leadership development, Change Partners is perfectly positioned to help you advance.
Willie Snyman is an International Executive Coach at Change Partners with a wealth of experience in business and leadership development. He’s passionate about helping leaders go from coping to a life of significance, success, and happiness. Contact him at williesnyman@change.co.za or on 082 456 1418 to help you and your team unlock life-changing levels of performance.
