THE LEADERSHIP LESSONS OF

NELSON MANDELA

B Y : N I C H O L A S P E A R C E

B L O O M B E R G B U S I N E S S W E E K D E C E M B E R 1 2 , 2 0 1 3

Amanda Abrams. ORGB 300. Section 005. 11/6/14

THE LIFE OF NELSON MANDELA

• 1918-2013

• Was imprisoned for 27 years

• South Africa’s first black President

• Held presidency for five years: 1994-1999

• Nobel Peace Prize recipient

• Politician, philanthropist, and global humanitarian

• Taught us three important lessons on leadership…

1. LEADERSHIP IS BEHAVIORAL

• Leadership isn’t about formal authority. It shouldn’t matter what position you

hold or what title you are called.

• Leadership is formed when you have the ability to influence others in a

positive way and leave an everlasting positive impact.

• While he was imprisoned, president, and retired, Nelson Mandela influenced

so many people. It didn’t matter where he was or what he was doing. Where

there’s a will, there’s a way.

“The capacity to integrate, motivate, and mobilize others to bring a common aspiration to life is what leadership is all

about”

1. LEADERSHIP IS BEHAVIORAL CONT’D

• A leader must lead by example because they never know who is

watching and learning. People are observant and look up to a strong,

powerful leader.

• Every part of one’s life has a meaning and it’s important they expand

their skills and become a true leader.

• Whether you’re a scientist, a bike rider, or a recent graduate; you have

the ability to lead by example and have a purpose beyond what your title

is.

2. CHOOSE COLLABORATION

• When in tough situations, people decide to either take action or leave.

• Mandela taught us that the “fight or flight” method doesn’t work. Retaliation

may produce a sense of satisfaction, but the world is becoming smaller and

collaboration may fix the hardest of times.

“Retaliation deepens divides; collaboration heals them. Retaliation perpetuates ignorance; collaboration promotes

learning and progress.”

Collaborate Retaliate

2. CHOOSE COLLABORATION CONT’D

• Mandela was able to collaborate with others in order to make valid

decisions that would effect many people. He showed us that we must

never hold grudges and we need to forgive those you wronged us.

• Being collaborative can cause revolutionary outcomes. It can enhance

markets and organizations and enrich people’s lives.

3. NEVER GIVE UP

• Even in the toughest of moments,

Mandela never stopped working

towards what’s right. He had the

courage and perseverance to

overcome the inhumane.

• Sometimes the reward is worth the

risk.

• People need to find what they are

willing to fight for and share grand

ideals with, whether it’s for an

organization, country, or an

individual.

3. NEVER GIVE UP CONT’D

• Being part of a team that does the right thing, even when no

one is watching, can be one of the most gratifying feelings in

the world. That’s the team you want to fight for and help

inspire.

• Mandela taught us to commit our lives and our leadership skills

to inspire and influence in order to make the impossible

possible.

“The greatness of your leadership will be measured not in dollars and cents, but in lives impacted for good. Mandela created lasting

value; so must we.”

• Business schools teach their students what the right

strategies, frameworks, tactics, and tools are in order to be

successful.

• However, students end up thinking that a position defines

power and leadership.

• The question to ask yourself is: Will you have the courage to

fight for what’s right or will you follow the status quo due to

convenience?

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