Question

Throughout your readings this week, you came across several different leaders that were mentioned as examples of leadership. Talk about Nelson Mandela and write how you felt you can look up to due to their leadership skills. Explain why you feel this? Include some background on their life, what did they contribute to society, and how do you relate to them.

Answer 1

Nelson Mandela is widely regarded as one of the greatest leaders of the 20th century. He was born into a royal family in a small South African village in 1918, but he became a lawyer and went on to become one of the most important figures in the fight against apartheid in South Africa.

Mandela was a founding member of the African National Congress (ANC), which was formed in 1912 to fight for the rights of black South Africans. He became an important leader of the ANC in the 1950s and was instrumental in the formation of the organization's military wing in the early 1960s.

In 1964, Mandela was arrested and sentenced to life in prison for his involvement in the ANC's military activities. He spent the next 27 years in prison, much of it in solitary confinement, but he continued to be a symbol of resistance against apartheid.

Upon his release in 1990, Mandela negotiated with the South African government to end apartheid and establish a multiracial democracy. In 1994, he became the first black president of South Africa, and he served in that role until 1999.

Mandela's leadership skills were characterized by his ability to inspire and unite people from different backgrounds and perspectives. He was a charismatic and visionary leader who had the courage to stand up for what he believed in, even in the face of great adversity.

His commitment to non-violence and reconciliation, even after years of imprisonment and oppression, is a testament to his strength and compassion. He was able to bring people together and build a more just and equal society in South Africa, and his legacy continues to inspire leaders around the world today.

I believe that anyone can look up to Nelson Mandela as a role model for leadership. His dedication to justice, equality, and human rights is something that we can all strive for in our own lives and in our communities. His ability to bring people together and work towards a common goal is a valuable lesson for anyone in a leadership position, and his unwavering commitment to his principles is a reminder of the importance of staying true to one's beliefs, even in the face of great adversity.