Leadership of Nelson Mandela - Assignment Example

Leadership of Nelson Mandela Brief biography Nelson Mandela was born on 18 July 1918 in Mvezo, Transkei. He was a famous philanthropist and revolutionary politician cum president of South Africa from year 1994 to 1999. His father passed away in 1930 when he was only 12 years young. Young Rolihlahla became a ward Jongintaba at Great Place in Mqhekezweni. By hearing the stories of his ancestors he also dreamed of making his own contribution to the freedom struggle for his people. He attended primary school in Qunu where his teacher gave him the name Nelson. He completed his school from Clarkebury Boarding and went to Healdtown where he completed his secondary school. Nelson Mandela started his Bachelor studies at University College of Fort Hare but did not complete the degree. He was expelled from school for joining in a student protest. He completed his BA from the University of South Africa and went back to Fort Hare for his graduation in 1943. Meanwhile he started studying law in the University of Witwatersrand. He was weak in studies and left the University without graduating. He again started studying from London University after his imprisonment in the year 1962 and then also he could not complete his degree. In the year 1989 he was graduated by the absentia ceremony in Cape Town. A two year diploma allowed Nelson to practice law in Africa. Nelson Mandela was caught in a countrywide police Swoop. Men and women of all the races found themselves in the dock for marathon trial including Nelson Mandela (Harris 35-40). Description of the field and historical approach of leadership Nelson Mandela is one of the people to achieve almost universal respect around the world and across the political spectrums. Racial discrimination is one major global social issue where agitation was raised leaded by Nelson Mandela. His role in fighting with struggle of oppressed people around the world and the ability of crisis of its rebirth gave him an international reputation. Mandela was the first elected president in 1994. He tackled the challenges making unity between both countries’ racial grouping and fragmented public services. The African National Congress is one of major party in Government of South Africa. ANC was founded in the year 1912 with an aim to create the South African Union which started institutionalizing on racial discrimination against the blacks. As the leader of South Africa, Nelson Mandela faces many challenges for leading his countrymen into the twenty first century. People have been divided and affected by years of racism, who introduced many races and cultures. He was served peace, unity, and changes for the people of South Africa and the world (Li 55-60). Leader’s attributes and importance Leadership is the behavior of the person and it is not positional. Nelson Mandela served South Africa for 5 years. He is one of the most talented leaders of South Africa who know how to lead without formal authority. Mandela influence to grow global humanitarian and philanthropist. His influence was accepted by everyone. The capacity to integrating and motivating others does not only bring common aspirations of leadership. This truth helps the people to hope better for their life. He has also described that good can be done in stage of career. Nelson Mandela was a person of integrity. He did whatever he said to be done. The integrity was important for earning the respect of outgoing white apartheid regime. He also gained the respect of millions of South Africa. He was optimistic, more and more research was revealing the power and the direct impact upon effective leadership. Mandela has a clear vision for his country that where he wants his country to be. Under Mandela’s leadership, MK launched a campaign against the government which has declared a withdrawn from public and British commonwealth. Mandela travelled illegally to attend the conference to find out about the campaign that has been taken under by them. Mandela with his seven other defendants tried to escaped the gallows but they were put for imprisonment during the Rivonia Trial. He tried to improve the racial discrimination relation in the country. This discrimination was discouraging blacks from the white people. He then encourages blacks and whites to be free in the country and made a rugby team. In the year 1995 South Africa won the Rugby World Cup (Northouse 61-69). Leader-Follower In the past weeks, media provided daily headlines about Nelson Mandela about his health condition. Nelson was a highly esteemed leader who was not only loved by his own country people, but by people around the world who have seen the tenacity for fighting against racial discrimination. Mandela introduced the transformational leader who motivates his followers through charisma, inspiring them for their work. The transformational approach distinguishes between the interactions and examines how the leader follower is motivating their followers. Theories like trait approach and skills approach transformational approach analyses the characteristics of the leader, the followers and the situation. Transformational leaders are inspired by others for addressing their individuals self actualization which is need to be supported. Nelson Mandel knows his people desires for freedom and democracy. Followers of Nelson Mandela do believe that his idea and vision will represent the mean in their country (Northouse 95-105). Internal and external drivers Nelson Mandela symbolizes and brought life so much of great leadership that all the human being will follow in the upcoming generations. He meant to explore the humanity between each of one of the individuals. The internal quality he has as a leader was the anxiety for creating. He faces challenges and without reaction he uses to solve that in a very smooth manner. The generative powers that allow people contribute for shaping the circumstances in a sustainable manner. He never undermines the self worth and dignity of others. He always tried to respect that and engage many people into some other work. This can be the internal qualities of Nelson Mandela as a leader for South Africa. Mandela also understood the power of opportunities where he can illustrate his vision through act and powerful symbolism. He refused to be portrayed in front of his countrymen as the chosen and special person. He always portrayed himself as one of the important leader in the organization. He uses his presence and influenced the people to illustrate his commitment to do justice against the racial discrimination (Western 65-72). Conclusion In this paper it deals about the leadership quality of Nelson Mandela for racial discrimination between the white skin people and black skin people. It also tells a brief history of his early life. He was very much focused to join the freedom struggle for his countrymen. He used to listen stories about his ancestors for contribute his time to the people who are struggling. Mandela as a leader was always there for his countrymen. He was the first elected president of South Africa. He has many followers not only from South Africa but also from other countries as well. He was put into jail for many times for joining this racial discrimination among the country. Mandela was very focused about what he had to do and where he needs to take his country. He also said that good things can be done by anyone and can be done in tome of our career. Leadership is the quality of motivating people to do their work and to inspire them for their work that they are doing. Leadership is the behavior of an individual and it is not positional of any individual persons. Works Cited Harris, Alma. Distributed Leadership. London: Springer, 2009. Print. Li, Charlene. Open Leadership. San Francisco: John Wiley & Sons, 2010. Print. Northouse, Peter G. Leadership: Los Angles: SAGE Publications, 2012. Print. Western. Simon. Leadership: A Critical Text. London: SAGE Publication, 2013. Print. Read More