Effectiveness of Leadership in the Mandela - Long Walk to Freedom - Movie Review Example

Critical Analysis of Effectiveness of Leadership in the Movie Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom Name: Course: Institution: Date: Executive Summary A leader is an individual who provides some sense of direction to his subjects. This means that there are certain qualities that help enhance effective leadership. The movie Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom depicts certain leadership attributes that are considered in effective leadership. Through the script writer, the director of the movie is able to vividly reveal certain lessons that are considered essential in the development of an effective leader (Hernon, 2003, p. 44). Table of Contents Executive Summary 2 Table of Contents 3 Introduction 4 Attributes of effective leadership 4 Lessons in effective leadership 9 Conclusion 10 Appendices 12 Table 1.0: The relationship between movie scenes and the framework for understanding leadership 12 References 15 Bibliography 18 Critical Analysis of Effectiveness of Leadership in the Movie Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom Introduction Effective leaders play an essential role in the development of self-awareness among their followers. For an organization to succeed it would be important for its leaders to develop a proper vision aimed at steering the organization towards its projected goals. This requires that a leader uses his or her skills in monitoring their own progress and that of the other members of the organization (Aarons et al, 2014, p. 15). This has a basis on the fact that a leader knows the expected direction that an organization can follow in setting of implementable goals and objectives. An effective leader is expected to uphold to principles that define his or her morals in different situations (Hernon, 2003, p. 45). The main objective of this paper is to provide a critical analysis of effective leadership as portrayed in the movie Mandela: Long walk to Freedom. Attributes of effective leadership Confidence: This is an attribute that a leader must possess. Self-confidence is an attribute that is considered as fundamental in the growth and development of any leader. It is impossible for one to qualify as a leader if he does not have the courage to achieve his or her objectives. It may be possible for a leader to have all the necessary qualities such as passion and good communication skills (Massey, 2003, p. 78). However, these skills can only become practical and effective when the leader has the courage to express himself. Confidence requires that once a leader has set certain goals, they go ahead to achieve them regardless of the cost or the price that they have to pay (Maxwell, 2003, p. 56). In the movie Mandela: Long walk to Freedom, the director Justin Chadwick portrays Mandela as a character destined for great things since his days as a young man. With the help of his second wife Winnie, cast by Naomi Harris, Mandela decides to fight for the liberty of South Africans. As a leader, Mandela makes a decision to confront the apartheid regime in South Africa through non-violent means. His confidence enables him to mobilize members of the black community in South Africa. These initiatives help in sending a message to the colonial government despite their ineffective nature. Hard work: effective leadership requires a leader to be able to go through extreme lengths to achieve their goals. Hard work is defined by determination and objectivity in the endeavors of any leader. It is important to note that every attempt of hard work is often met by setbacks that may at times derail the leader (Massey, 2003, p. 120). Effective leadership requires the development of proper strategies. These strategies require that a leader invest much of his or her time in the definition of his or her goals and set the necessary objectives (Palestini, 2008, p. 228). Mandela, cast in the movie by Idris Elba, portrays the spirit of hard work in his endeavors. Upon his release from prison, he makes it his personal initiative to unite a country that is divided along racial lines. In his first objective, he sets out to attain the highest political office in South Africa by conducting massive campaigns all over the country. He emphasizes to the citizens on the essence of casting their votes. Upon winning the elections and ending the apartheid system, he embarks on the process of uniting the people of South Africa and he eventually succeeds. Charisma especially on communication and interpersonal skills as this is essential in creating a relationship between a leader and his followers. Effective leadership requires that a leader must be able to take control in situations where there is chaos (Maxwell, 2003, p. 100). Such abilities emphasize the fact that leaders must possess some form of authority that is considered as legitimate by his or her followers (Palmer, 2013, p. 68). In addition, charismatic traits of a leader enable him or her to be in a position where he or she is able to alter the mind set of his or her followers. Change of mind set is important since it is one way by which a leader can convince his or her followers into adopting a particular paradigm that was initially alien or that faced setbacks and opposition from the followers (Palmer, 2013, p. 69). Charisma enables a leader to present him or herself as visionary. Such visions place leaders in positions where they are able to exercise power and apply the necessary influence towards the right people and entities and eventually expand their powers (Pillai, 1996, p. 534). This is clearly demonstrated in the movie Mandela: Long walk to Freedom as Mandela uses the knowledge he possess about different aspects in the society to convince South Africans that uniting individuals from different racial backgrounds would be the best solution in ensuring political, cultural and economic developments in the country. Strategic insights and visionary skills are also essential attributes in ensuring effective leadership in any organization. The ability to strategize is considered as essential in effective planning (Popa, 2013, p.166). A good leader must develop effective strategies that are considered as planning tools. An effective planner develops proper techniques that can be used in the selection of the best possible way through which effective goals and objectives can be realized (Pillai, 1996, p. 535). Mandela used strategy of non-violence to defeat the initiatives and violent attacks by the apartheid government. In addition, the movie demonstrates how Mandela used strategies of setting up public relations networks after his release from prison. This public relations strategy was meant to embrace different aspects of the cultures that existed in South Africa. These relations also helped in the improvement of societal structure such as allowing the black community to vote in the general elections. In addition, Mandela used his power as the president to destroy socially constructed barriers that differentiated between the areas that the colonial masters could access and the area that Africans were not allowed to access. Through the destruction of such barrier, he was able to unite a country that was initially characterized by racial hatred racial segregation. Resilience is also an essential leadership attribute that can be used in the determination of the effectiveness of a leader. This quality is at times closely related to the attributes of determination and visionary skills (Palmisano & Jindal, 2012, p. 146). After the formulation of his or her policies, a leader can only ensure effective leadership by demonstrating his or her determination in achieving the set goals (Popa, 2013, p.168). Mandela was imprisoned as for 27 years on account that he was championing for a revolution in South Africa. He was then accused of treason despite the fact that all his initiatives were non-violent and largely characterized by peaceful demonstration. Throughout his life in prison, the film depicts Mandela as a leader who put much of his focus on the liberation of his people with the hope that he was the one destined to provide freedom that was much needed by his people. South Africa was on the verge of creating two parallel societies. This in the view of Mandela was a path of destruction that could bring more suffering to the Africans while the Europeans enjoyed the benefits that his country provided. Being a leader with great resilience, Mandela hoped that upon his release from prison he continued championing for a course that had earned him 27 years in prison and this was a demonstration of great resilience. Empathy for subordinates is also an attribute that characterizes effective leadership. It is a requirement of a leader to exercise his or her authority while respecting the role played by his or her subordinates in developing and sustaining him in power (Avolio, 2007, p. 28). As the holder of the highest office, a leader has a responsibility of understanding that just as other members of the organization; it is his duty to be on the frontline championing for the strategies on how to alleviate the suffering of his people (Roth, 2003, p. 65). Such type of leadership is only possible when a leader notices the role played by other members of the organization (Avolio, 2007, p. 33). This means that a leader must demonstrate respect to the thoughts and opinions of his or her subordinates while at the same time developing an understanding that they all play a role in serving the people. Effective leadership is demonstrated in situations where a leader allows his other subordinates the freedom to express themselves concerning different policies that are to be initiated (Avolio, 2007, p. 34). In the Movie Mandela: Long Walk to freedom, the script writer and the director depict Mandela as a leader who shared a mutual and respectful relationship with his subordinates. He allowed criticism and appreciation wherever it was necessary. His relationship with his personal assistant and other members of his team demonstrated attributes of a leader who was willing to work with everyone to ensure the success of the country in relation to the goals and objectives that were to be set. Mandela involved other departments in the decision making process considering that they were closer to the people and therefore through their thoughts he could understand the needs of the people and the best strategy that could initiated to ensure their needs are met. Appropriate intelligence is an attribute that is sufficient to ensure that a leader is able to demonstrate to his or her followers some level of understanding of prevailing matters. Effective leadership requires a leader to have some form of education so that he or she is able to apply knowledge in different areas and provide the necessary direction (Wong et al, 2012, p. 4). When a leader shares a good relationship with his or her advisers, it is important that he or she realizes that these advisers will only provide information concerning possible alternatives. It is his responsibility to understand the options given and decide on the best way to solve an existing problem in the society (Goldsworthy, 2010, p. 120). Throughout his life, Mandela is depicted as an individual who is well read and understands the effects racial segregation to the development of not only the Africans in his country but also to those who colonized South Africa. Intelligence of a leader plays a central role in determining the perspective that his or her followers will have towards his form of leadership. Mandela was not only loved by South Africans for his ability to agitate for their rights, South Africans had the confidence that he had the ability to represent them in any forum considering his high level of education. Lessons in effective leadership A leader should be in a position to demonstrate that courage is not the absence of fear but they should embrace courage as a way of conquering their fear. The rationale of this lesson is to demonstrate that it is the responsibility of a leader to show his team members that challenges are part of life as they will always be available in their attempt to initiate any meaningful progress (Murphy, 2005, p. 129). The leader should also demonstrate to his or her subjects that he or she is not intimidated by the challenges (Goldsworthy, 2010, p. 123). This will play an essential role in inspiring the subjects to overcome challenges. Mandela was an inspirational leader. Despite27 years of imprisonment he was still able to demonstrate to South Africans that he was ready to overcome all the challenges. In an attempt to provide effective leadership a leader should always lead from the back. This can be realized when the said leader does not get into power politics concerning the person who is supposed to assume political office. Instead the leader should always focus on persuading uncooperative members of the team to take responsibility of their actions while at the same time helping them own their ideas (Murphy, 2005, p. 128). When a leader rules using such a technique, he not only receives recognition as an effective leader, he also stands a chance of gaining popularity (Hyson, 2013, p. 109). According to the movie Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, Mandela used his leadership skills to create an understanding between members of African National Congress (ANC) who were divided on how to engage the white members of the society after South Africa had gained its independence. Mandela used that platform to sensitize them on the essence of respecting the white population and declining from engaging in any revenge activities. It is important for a leader to understand his or her enemies. This enhances effective leadership since by finding an activity that an adversary is interested in, and gaining knowledge concerning that activity, he or she can initiate a dialogue that can lead to the development of an agreement between the previously conflicting parties (Hyson, 2013, p. 112). Conclusion Effective leadership demands that leader plays an essential role in determining the extent to which an organization achieves its set goals. For this to happen, a leader must possess certain attributes as was in the case of Nelson Mandela. In the movie Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, Nelson Mandela is depicted as leader with great resilience, confidence, empathy and appropriate intelligence. These attributes among others form an integral part in defining the type of leader that an individual can become. Appendices Table 1.0: The relationship between movie scenes and the framework for understanding leadership Time Scene Scene description Dubrin’s model 45- 49 12 Mandela negotiates an end to apartheid with the white power structure. Leadership characteristics and traits Confidence Resilience Determination Hard work Visionary skills intelligence 36- 41` 10 Mandela wages successful campaigns for prisoners to be given long pants 25- 29 6 While at the dock Mandela pledges to die for the freedom of South Africa 55- 58 13 Upon release from prison, Mandela preaches for peace and reconciliation between whites and blacks Leader behavior and style Empathy objective concerned articulate visionary 60- 64 14 Mandela advocates for the rights of South African to vote and be voted for 55- 57 13 Upon release from prison Mandela despises the use of violence it agitating for the rights of South Africans. He looks beyond rage and fury of the moment and seeks negotiation as the best possible alternative. 45-47 12 While at Robben Island, Mandela participated in political matters where he sensitized prisoners from different political parties into understanding their role as freedom fighters Mandela joins the African National Congress to fight for the rights of South Africans Group member characteristics Team player Team leader 40-44 11 While in prison, Mandela mobilizes prisoners to fight for their rights 40- 46 11 and 12 While in prison, Mandela keeps in touch with the happenings outside prison. He is informed and he provides advices to members of ANC on the best possible strategies to adopt. Internal and external environment Knowledgeable Concerned Intelligent understanding 61- 68 14 and 15 Mandela plays the role of an arbitrator between blacks and whites to ensure they arrive at a common understanding References Aarons, G. A., Ehrhart, M. G., & Farahnak, L. R. 2014. The implementation leadership scale (ILS): development of a brief measure of unit level implementation leadership. Implementation. Available from: Academic Search Complete, Ipswich, MA. Accessed May 14, 2014. Avolio, B. J. 2007, 'Promoting More Integrative Strategies for Leadership Theory-Building', American Psychologist, 62, 1, pp. 25-33, Academic Search Complete, EBSCOhost, viewed 14 May 2014 Black, S, Groombridge, J, & Jones, C 2011, 'Leadership and conservation effectiveness: finding a better way to lead', Conservation Letters, 4, 5, pp. 329-339, Academic Search Complete, EBSCOhost, viewed 14 May 2014. Goldsworthy, A. 2010. Effective leadership: learn from the animals. Indianapolis, Dog Ear Publishing. Academic Search Complete, EBSCOhost, viewed 14 May 2014. Hyson, P. (2013). The spirited leader: the potential of spiritual intelligence to improve leadership. International Journal Of Leadership In Public Services, 9(3/4), 109-115. doi:10.1108/IJLPS-10-2013-0028 Hernon, P. 2003. The next library leadership: attributes of academic and public library directors. Westport, Conn, Libraries Unlimited. Massey, M. 2003. The knowledge: how to be an effective and emotionally intelligent leader. Harborough, Troubador Pub. Academic Search Complete, EBSCOhost, viewed 14 May 2014. Maxwell, J. C. 2003. The 21 indispensable qualities of a leader becoming the person others will want to follow. Nashville, Tenn, Thomas Nelson. Academic Search Complete, EBSCOhost, viewed 14 May 2014. Murphy, L 2005, 'Transformational leadership: a cascading chain reaction', Journal Of Nursing Management, 13, 2, pp. 128-136, Academic Search Complete, EBSCOhost, viewed 14 May 2014. Palestini, R. H. (2008). A game plan for effective leadership lessons from 10 successful coaches in moving from theory to practice. Lanham, Md, Rowman & Littlefield Education. http://site.ebrary.com/id/10362513. Academic Search Complete, EBSCOhost, viewed 14 May 2014. Palmer, S 2013, 'Leaders: Own Your Alligator Brain', Public Manager, 42, 3, pp. 68-70, Academic Search Complete, EBSCOhost, viewed 14 May 2014. Palmisano, D. J., & Jindal, B. (2012). The little red book of leadership lessons. New York, Skyhorse. Academic Search Complete, EBSCOhost, viewed 14 May 2014. Perkins, D. N. T., Holtman, M. P., & Murphy, J. B. 2012. Leading at the edge: leadership lessons from the extraordinary saga of Shackleton's Antarctic expedition. New York, NY, American Management Association. Academic Search Complete, EBSCOhost, viewed 14 May 2014. Pillai, R 1996, 'Crisis and the Emergence of Charismatic Leadership in Groups: An Experimental Investigation', Journal Of Applied Social Psychology, 26, 6, pp. 543-562, Academic Search Complete, EBSCOhost, viewed 14 May 2014. Popa, G 2013, 'The Organization Function in the Management of Public Procurement', Buletin Stiintific, 18, 2, pp. 166-172, Academic Search Complete, EBSCOhost, viewed 14 May 2014. Roth, K. K. 2003. Executive leadership attributes relating to transformed organizational HR services: a study of transformational leadership. Boca Raton, Fl, Dissertation.Com. Academic Search Complete, EBSCOhost, viewed 14 May 2014. Wong, M. S., Lau, T. M., & Lee, A. 2012. The Impact of Leadership Programme on Self-Esteem and Self-Efficacy in School: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Plos ONE, 7(12), 1-6. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0052023 Bibliography Aarons, G. A., Ehrhart, M. G., & Farahnak, L. R. 2014. The implementation leadership scale (ILS): development of a brief measure of unit level implementation leadership. Implementation. Available from: Academic Search Complete, Ipswich, MA. Accessed May 14, 2014. Avolio, B. J. 2007, 'Promoting More Integrative Strategies for Leadership Theory-Building', American Psychologist, 62, 1, pp. 25-33, Academic Search Complete, EBSCOhost, viewed 14 May 2014 Black, S, Groombridge, J, & Jones, C 2011, 'Leadership and conservation effectiveness: finding a better way to lead', Conservation Letters, 4, 5, pp. 329-339, Academic Search Complete, EBSCOhost, viewed 14 May 2014. Chadwick, j. 2013, Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom. http://putlocker.bz/watch-mandela-long-walk-to-freedom-online-free-putlocker.html Goldsworthy, A. 2010. Effective leadership: learn from the animals. Indianapolis, Dog Ear Publishing. Academic Search Complete, EBSCOhost, viewed 14 May 2014. Hyson, P. (2013). The spirited leader: the potential of spiritual intelligence to improve leadership. International Journal Of Leadership In Public Services, 9(3/4), 109-115. doi:10.1108/IJLPS-10-2013-0028 Hernon, P. 2003. The next library leadership: attributes of academic and public library directors. Westport, Conn, Libraries Unlimited. Massey, M. 2003. The knowledge: how to be an effective and emotionally intelligent leader. Harborough, Troubador Pub. Academic Search Complete, EBSCOhost, viewed 14 May 2014. Maxwell, J. C. 2003. The 21 indispensable qualities of a leader becoming the person others will want to follow. Nashville, Tenn, Thomas Nelson. Academic Search Complete, EBSCOhost, viewed 14 May 2014. Murphy, L 2005, 'Transformational leadership: a cascading chain reaction', Journal Of Nursing Management, 13, 2, pp. 128-136, Academic Search Complete, EBSCOhost, viewed 14 May 2014. Palestini, R. H. (2008). A game plan for effective leadership lessons from 10 successful coaches in moving from theory to practice. Lanham, Md, Rowman & Littlefield Education. http://site.ebrary.com/id/10362513. Academic Search Complete, EBSCOhost, viewed 14 May 2014. Palmer, S 2013, 'Leaders: Own Your Alligator Brain', Public Manager, 42, 3, pp. 68-70, Academic Search Complete, EBSCOhost, viewed 14 May 2014. Palmisano, D. J., & Jindal, B. (2012). The little red book of leadership lessons. New York, Skyhorse. Academic Search Complete, EBSCOhost, viewed 14 May 2014. Perkins, D. N. T., Holtman, M. P., & Murphy, J. B. 2012. Leading at the edge: leadership lessons from the extraordinary saga of Shackleton's Antarctic expedition. New York, NY, American Management Association. Academic Search Complete, EBSCOhost, viewed 14 May 2014. Pillai, R 1996, 'Crisis and the Emergence of Charismatic Leadership in Groups: An Experimental Investigation', Journal Of Applied Social Psychology, 26, 6, pp. 543-562, Academic Search Complete, EBSCOhost, viewed 14 May 2014. Popa, G 2013, 'The Organization Function in the Management of Public Procurement', Buletin Stiintific, 18, 2, pp. 166-172, Academic Search Complete, EBSCOhost, viewed 14 May 2014. Roth, K. K. 2003. Executive leadership attributes relating to transformed organizational HR services: a study of transformational leadership. Boca Raton, Fl, Dissertation.Com. Academic Search Complete, EBSCOhost, viewed 14 May 2014. Wong, M. S., Lau, T. M., & Lee, A. 2012. The Impact of Leadership Programme on Self-Esteem and Self-Efficacy in School: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Plos ONE, 7(12), 1-6. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0052023 Read More