Marlina A.

Savini-Boggs
OGL 360: Analysis of Effective Leader(s)
November 28, 2021

Nelson Mandela
Description:
Nelson Mandela, globally known for dedicating his life to the service of humanity – from the
courts of tribal royalty, to the liberation underground, to prison, and finally as first black South
African President. He led the emancipation of South Africa from white minority rule. During his
opening speech at his trial, Mandela stated, “I have fought against white domination, and I have
fought against black domination…I have cherished the ideal of democratic and free society in
which all persons will live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. It is an ideal for
which I hope to live for and to see realized. But my lord, if it needs be, it is an ideal for which I
am prepared to die.” Words that he did not take lightly and definitely lived up to.
Analysis:
I believe Nelson Mandela showed all five practices of exemplary leadership during his lifetime.
Though it may not have gone at it in the straight and narrow, some might even think it
unorthodox, his words and actions in every way reflected his values, his leadership, and his
vision. By speaking up and out on his beliefs, sharing his visions, and setting the example; he
modeled the way for all else with whom he shared values. He inspired a common purpose in
others and therefore took action together in accomplishing those goals. All while enabling
others to act on their values, beliefs, inspirations, and goals.
Reflection:
What resonated with me mostly in regards to Nelson Mandela was his credibility. He did not
stray from his mission to rid of segregations and live in a free society. Regardless of what he
went through, the many challenges he faced, and even the mistakes he made along the way,
his goals remained the same. He did not let any of the events (good and bad) in his life change
that. He simply made changes to the processes as situations changed and navigated through
the challenges. As Kouzes & Posner (2017) stated in the text, “Leaders must never take their
credibility for granted, regardless of the times or their positions. To believe in the exciting future
possibilities leaders present, people must first believe in their leaders.”
Takeaway:
Honesty, competence, inspiring, and forward-looking is what I am taking away from this learning
event. With those four characteristics, I want to be confident in my abilities to share an inspired
vision with others that we can look forward into accomplishing. I want to hold strong enough to
my values that I can overcome any obstacles and stay true to my word.
References:
Keller, B. (2013 December 5). Nelson Mandela, South Africa’s Liberator as Prisoner and
President, Dies at 95. The New York Times.
https://www.nytimes.com/2013/12/06/world/Africa/nelson-mandela_obit.html
Kouzes J. & Posner B. (2017). The Leadership Challenge, 6th edition