Transformational leadership must give people a long-term vision that imbues their lives with meaning; it must point them in a new direction and show how their every action is an indispensable part of a purposeful whole.  

They possess the gift to “engage with followers and create a connection that raises the level of motivation and morality in both the leader and the follower”. Their ability to inspire followers denotes a high level of emotional intelligence; which encompasses “self-awareness, confidence, self-regulation, conscientiousness, motivation, empathy, and social skills”. 


Inspiration to millions
As 21st century searches for transformational role models and mindsets, Nelson Mandela is a leader who offers hope and possibility to make organizations and the world survive and be sustainable.  Mandela inspired millions during his lifetime, and will go on to inspire generations to come even after his death. We will forever be humbled by a man who could endure so much suffering and adversity, and yet despite it all, go on to change so many minds, and open so many hearts.

Mandela was an activist against apartheid in South Africa. The term, apartheid means the government says that it is ok to discriminate any race other than White people. In his 67 years long political career, Mandela led numerous movements, and was arrested, convicted and imprisoned various times, the longest being the 27 years life imprisonment. 

All the pain was worth it as year 1994 marked the end of apartheid and holding of multi-racial elections. Mandela became the inaugural President of the country (apart from being the first black South African to hold the office). Probably, this is why he is referred to by numerous titles, including ‘the father of the nation’, ‘the founding father of democracy’, ‘the national liberator, and the savior.


Self and social awareness
Mandela not only displayed great self-awareness and social awareness; he knew how to manage himself and relationships to get the most out of others. His transformational leadership style is as precious as it is rare, and his legacy provides ample inspiration for business leaders today. andela encouraged racial harmony in a country ripped apart by apartheid, practiced forgiveness toward his persecutors without forgetting the indelible mark they left on his country, and focused on the future, not the past.

When Mandela was sent to Robben Island Prison in Cape Town, he remarked that “how you are treated in prison depends on your demeanor”. Mandela understood that he could not be just himself anymore, that he depended on others and therefore if he could engage with those people he could create better opportunities for a more bearable life. 

Talking about transforming followers to a higher level, Mandala once said, “It is better to lead from behind and to put others in front especially when you celebrate victory and when nice things occur. You take the front line when there is danger. Then people will appreciate your leadership.” In many ways, what a stark contrast Mandela’s life in comparison to the behavior of many political and business leaders today who take credit and want the limelight when things are going well, and blame others and avoid responsibility when things go wrong. Giving leadership to African people he displayed;

Idealized influence: “Walk the talk!” Followers trust and respect leaders who consistently choose to do the right thing  than what is expedient, because the leadership is not about benefitting the leader personally, but about elevating those around him. From 1994 until June 1999, Mandela led the country through a period of transition from apartheid to black majority rule. 

As a transformational leader, he successfully used the country’s love for sports to promote reconciliatory efforts by promoting Springboks rugby team (majority white) and hosted the Rugby World Cup in 1995 which further instilled a sense of nationalistic pride in its people and promoted reconciliation. Further under the new constitution, Mandela ensured that the rights of minorities and freedom of expression was incorporated under the system of black majority rule. 

Inspirational motivation:  is conveying meaning through stories and symbols with which followers can relate and identify; helping followers attain more than they thought was possible by setting high expectations, telling followers   “I know you can do it!” inspires them to go the extra mile and accomplish great things by articulating a great vision.  Mandela defined the true vision for his nationals during the struggle for freedom. He articulated fluently the importance of regaining their independence and stopping oppression of innocent people in South Africa. He, therefore, played a pivotal role that portrayed his capability to provide inspirational motivation.

Intellectual stimulation:  means challenging followers to think for themselves, encourage them to think about problems in new ways, provides opportunities for them to develop and grow, and prepares them for higher positions. 

Mandela was able to make African National Congress (ANC) members and those who followed him realize that their sacrifices and decisions would lead South Africa to “freedom”. His resolve, courage, and tolerance was portrayed when Mandela was jailed by the colonialist and it was a crucial source of encouragement for the South African people to fight for their national freedom.

Individualized consideration: recognizing that people are at their best when their individual needs are considered, and their efforts and accomplishments encouraged and recognized - involves compassion, appreciation and recognition and establishes a relationship. Nelson Mandela understood his people and their desires for freedom and democracy. Followers of Mandela believed that his ideals and vision represented the means to end the years of bigotry in their country. They possessed the strong desire to fulfil their self-actualization needs of being free from years of segregation and discrimination. Correspondingly, they felt empowered to adopt the necessary measures to achieve their common goals, and were willing to abide by guidance given by their leader – Nelson Mandela.

Always inspiring his followers to reach greater heights – Mandela said: “There is no passion to be found in playing small – settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living.”

(This is the 18th article in the Leadership series. Eng. Gamini Nanda Gunawardana B.Sc. Eng. (Hons.); M.B.A.;  C.Eng.; F.I.E. (SL); M.C.S. (SL); M.I.D.P.M. (UK);  F.I.A.P. (UK); M.B.C.S. (UK) Management, HR, OD  & ICT Consultant, Corporate Trainer, Executive Coach Consultant – HRD- Goodhope Asia Holdings Ltd. He can be contacted via E Mail : [email protected])