Self-Sacrifice and the Leadership Effectiveness - Essay Example

Freedom Self-Sacrifice and the Leadership Effectiveness The chronological accounts for various great leaders indicate that self-sacrifice is one of the most critical qualities of a leader leading for freedom. Clearly, a leader with a willing heart, for the sake of the community, inspires people. In general, it is assumed that most of the great leaders be it in political, military, religious, or organizational arenas have exceptional influence on their followers and, subsequently, on social systems.

Self-sacrifice contributes significant roles in the development of the group morale within the society. By making personal sacrifices, the leader effectively indicates his or her commitment to the welfare of the group (Knippenberg & Knippenberg, 2005, p.25). Therefore, self-sacrifice not only lead to short-term, positive impact to the groups functionality but also lead to long-term impacts in the same sense that it builds a strong conviction amongst the followers that the leader can be believed and relied upon in the future decisions of the group.

Further, self-sacrifice can help groups particularly faced with crisis and the reciprocity norm asserts that individuals are under pressure to assist those who have assisted them. Clearly, this norm may function as a behavioral rule that is present in the continuing relationships, and that makes them be stable. Additionally, self-sacrifice may function as an intrinsic motive that leads to satisfaction and that makes individuals reciprocate. A self-sacrificing behavior by the leader creates pressure on the followers to act as is required of them.

Particularly, to forgo self-interest and committing oneself to the good of the collective is what is required of self-sacrifice (Knippenberg & Knippenberg, 2005, p. 25). Nelson Mandela is an ideal example of a leader who intensively and extensively struggled for the sake of South Africa freedom. Mandela sacrificed a lot to the South African movement for freedom, including his private life and liberty. His ultimate goal was to ensure his fellow Africans have gained the much-needed freedom in their country.

Commenting on his desire to sacrifice to attain freedom, Mandela maintained that freedom cannot be easily acquired anywhere in the world. In addition, most individuals would have to go through a valley of the shadow of death always until we get to the top of our aspirations (Limb, 2008). He stated during his Heritage Day address on 24 September 1997 that, “Let us recommit ourselves to the ideals in our Constitution, ideals which were shaped in the struggles” (Limb 2008, p.116; Mandela, 1997, p. 1). In this regards, Mandela was an effective leader who was able to achieve impressive gains for his country berceuses of his self-sacrifice attitude.

Additionally, Mandela was an initiator, innovator of new ideas, willing to take risks for the sake of his country. Because of his nature, Mandela succeeds in the removal of the apartheid in South Africa, and the ultimate independence to the South Africa. Many and even his enemies were quick to admire his self-sacrificing attitude, courage, and dedication. Lack of self-sacrifice on the part of leaders leads to the failure of various freedom movements. For instance, most of the African leaders such Zimbabwe’s president, Robert Mogabe, lack the desire and will to sacrifice for the common good of their countries (McGreal, 2000).

Mugabe has stayed in power for long and is reluctant to allow democratic elections that are fair to be undertaken in the country. Most sub-Saharan countries such as Zimbabwe face serious challenges to basic development, and lack of self-sacrifice from their leaders has been the main reason this is the case (Folarin, 2013). In conclusion, it is clear from various examples that self-sacrifice is essential in achieving the collective goal of the group. Bibliography Folarin, S. (2013). Africa’s leadership challenges in the 21st century: A Nigerian perspective.

African Journal of Political Science and International Relations, 7(1), 1-11. Retrieved from http://eprints.covenantuniversity.edu.ng/3250/1/Folarin%209.pdf Knippenberg, B., & Knippenberg, D. (2005). Leader self-sacrifice and leadership effectiveness: the moderating role of leader prototypicality. Journal of Applied Psychology, 90(1), 25-37. Retrieved from http://www.researchgate.net/profile/Barbara_Wisse/publication/8089235_Leader_self-sacrifice_and_leadership_effectiveness_the_moderating_role_of_leader_prototypicality/links/00b4952d40e89c32f7000000.

pdf Limb, P. (2008). Nelson Mandela: A Biography. Westport, CT: Greenwood Press. Mandela, N. (24 September 1997). Address by President Mandela on Heritage Day, Robben Island. African National Congress. Retrieved October 29, 2015 from http://www.anc.org.za/show.php?id=4215 McGreal, C.(13 December 2000). Is Robert Mugabe a dictator? The Guardian. Retrieved October 30, 2015 fromhttp://www.theguardian.com/world/2000/dec/13/worlddispatch.chrismcgreal