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The Style And Characteristics Of True Leadership In Nelson Mandela

Decent Essays

In Invictus Nelson Mandela displays many different leaderships theories in different ways throughout the film. He embodies the sense of self required of amazing leaders according to Chopra. Mandela also displays qualities described in the style and skill approaches described by Northouse (2012) through his actions as a leader. Most importantly, all of these qualities give Mandela the ability to lead through kindness and love. Unlike most presidents he has over 30 years of true leadership experience. Throughout his years in prison he leads the black South African people towards their political revolution. These years of building trust equipped Mandela to be the amazing leader we see in Invictus. True leadership takes time and does not happen overnight. Mandela often refers to the 27 years he spent in prison as a time of reflection and education. He takes this time to look within and learn from his own self. According to Deepak Chopra, “the inspired leaders power comes not from other people but from her very being…. Is guided by her own soul.” (Chopra, 2013). Mandela uses his experiences to guide him and often takes time for reflection and meditation-type behavior. When describing an amazing leader Chopra says, “they are aligned with their inner core self which is in turn aligned with the greater collective society.” (Chopra, 2013). Nelson Mandela truly exemplifies this quality as a leader in Invictus. He is so humble and at peace with himself that it gives him the ability to

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