NELSON Mandela demonstrated a full range of cognitive, emotional and behavioural abilities to bring about profound changes in South Africa. All leaders who aspire to be more strategic can learn from Mandela's six key behaviours that distinguished him from other leaders and made him a true strategic leader.
Mandela looked ahead and could see that South Africa's system of apartheid would not survive in future. From his prison cell, he strategically assessed his moves and anticipated reactions.
Mandela stood out among prisoners and guards as a man of principle and dignity, willing to sacrifice his life for his beliefs.
Mandela studied the errors of Robert Mugabe in neighbouring Zimbabwe. He recognized that South Africa could follow Zimbabwe's footsteps, which meant forgiving without forgetting and sharing power. In 1993, a white man assassinated Chris Hani, a leader of the South African Communist Party, triggering a widespread demonstration against the de Klerk government. Mandela, just out of prison, had the guts to call for peace when people wanted revenge. He also made a courageous decision to use sports as a means of healing, believing that "Sport…has the power to unite people in a way that little else does."
On getting elected South Africa's first black President, Mandela announced he would serve only one term, though two were permissible.
Mandela exemplifies how a strategic leader adjusts strategy and tactics amid complex social, political, legal and economic forces without compromising on deeply held values. Leadership is not just about motivating people and creating political support for a strategy, but also about maintaining broad support through successive adjustments to the plan.
Fatema Zerin
East West University
[email protected]
- Friday, 22 November 2024 |
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