Communication for Effective Leadership as seen in the movie Invictus - Research Paper Example

The most important trait of leadership as portrayed by the film Invictus is being visionary. The main characters in the film Invictus are visionary. The main characters of Nelson Mandela and Francois Pienaar had a vision with them of uniting the people of South Africa. Ideally, Francois and Mandela saw possibility where many people saw impossibility. Those are the aspects of being visionary leader. Mandela and Francois understood that the only way through which their people could prosper was through unity and the best strategy was to use sports.

During this period, the people of South Africa were blinded by rage and the need to revenge that they could not carry the interest of their nation in their heart (Carlin, 2010). Good leaders are good at listening and understanding the human nature. First, Mandela listened to the message in the poem Invictus. The message in this poem changed him for the better, through decision making and not through the lenses of revenge but forgiveness. Mandela in the film is focused on understanding and listening to the rivaling sides.

Through listening and understanding the needs of both parties, Mandela is able to formulate a strategy that would bring satisfactory solutions to both. That is unity. Mandela then with Francois finds the best way to unite the nation and that is through the sport of rugby which initially was a divisive factor as well (p. 46). Taking risks is a leadership trait amicably portrayed by Francois in the film. President Mandela called Francois, who was then the captain of the Springboks to his office.

During that time, Francois was not aware of what the meaning of the call could be. At that time of hate and separation, everybody could fear for their lives, especially when faced with the task of meeting their key opponents whom they understand well are baying for their blood. Francois however, was courageous to face Mandela which is a show of risk