NELSON MANDELA
Nelson Mandela of South Africa is known for many things. While many know him as the former president of South Africa and for his role in bringing down the oppressive Apartheid system in South Africa, there are also those who appreciate him as an icon of exceptional leadership. There are many qualities that Nelson Mandela possessed that made him an effective leader within the realm of emotional competence. To begin with, Mandela possessed the key quality of self-awareness. This is to say that he had developed superior understanding of himself and was fully aware of his uniqueness, weaknesses as well as strengths. This could be perceived from his opinion on change. He was at some point quoted saying that “one of the most difficult things is not to change society - but to change yourself” (Kahane, 2010, p. 117). For one to change him or herself, he or she must be fully aware of the deeper self (i.e. his weaknesses as well as strengths).
Secondly, Mandela was also compassionate. He had genuine concern for the wellbeing of other people. It was while campaigning for equality and the welfare of his people that he was...
If he did not have the burning urge to reduce the
suffering of those who were being discriminated against, he would not have embraced the path of suffering on their behalf. Third, it is also important to note that the manner in which Mandela articulated issues is a clear indication of how passionate he was about the agenda he was advancing – specifically about...…with the ability to not only understand, but also share other people’s feelings. This quality is synonymous with
compassion. Without empathy, Nelson Mandela would not have been able to develop genuine concern for his countrymen. Third, Sadler (2018) defines
persuasion as “seeking to convince others of the rightness of a course of action rather than achieve compliance through coercion” (164). For one to be able to accomplish this feat, he or she must be passionate about a certain course of action. Lastly, we have commitment to people’s growth. This has got to do with appreciating people for their contribution and encouraging them to venture even further in as far as their spiritual, professional, as well as their personal growth is concerned. Without being optimistic about the future, a leader cannot be able to effectively perform…
