Learning Leadership from Nelson Mandela’s Legacy

The recent death of Nelson Mandela marked the loss of one of the world’s greatest leaders.

For those of us who grew up in the 1980s and early 90s, Mandela was a key figure in the world events of the time. Leading his country’s anti-apartheid movement, he became a global symbol of human rights and earned the 1993 Nobel Prize, along with former South African President Frederik Willem de Klerk.

When news of his death, at age 95, was announced, my 11-year-old daughter asked me: “Who is Nelson Mandela and why was he important?” Her question got me thinking about what we can learn from his leadership experience and the legacy he leaves behind.

It’s All in the Way You See Your World

Being held as a political prisoner for 27 years would harden most people, but extraordinary people find the strength to rise above their circumstances. Mandela spent his imprisonment reading and learning. He withstood the pressures of injustice and oppression. When he was finally released, he was even stronger and better prepared to bring about positive change.

When he was finally released, he was a changed man, having spent time making himself a better person.

We can all take a page from his book and choose to look for the opportunities inside every experience or struggle.

Seeing the Good in All People

In the years after his imprisonment, Mandela shared how prison taught him to look past first impressions. He believed that everyone is capable of change and greatness. He urged us to look for the good in all people.

Imagine if we all started to look for the good in one another. What a better world it would be.

One Person Can Lead Change

Ending the apartheid in South Africa was something Mandela cared deeply about and there is no doubt that he was committed to the cause. Even during his long imprisonment, he was able to persuade others to carry on the fight.

It’s a wonderful example of the impact a strong sense of commitment and passion can have to inspire others to act.

These are just a few of the lessons to share from Mandela’s long life. It’s important that we share his story with our kids as a lesson in forgiveness, perseverance and great leadership.

Nelson Mandela will forever be known as a great global leader of change – someone who left this world a better place. Perhaps we can do the same.