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SOCIAL CHANGE LEADERSHIP Nelson Mandela. Introduction.
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Introduction The social change approach describes a focused, collaborative, value based process that leads to positive social change(Komives and Wagner 2009). Social change is based on effecting change on behalf of the society and collaboration. Social leadership is a process rather a position, it based on value and service to the community. This leadership is based on values such as commitment, consciousness, common purpose, citizenship, controversy with civility and common purpose. All these values work together.
NELSON MANDELA Nelson Mandela is one leader, who captured the hearts of all people who believe in social change leadership, liberty and pursuit of happiness for all. Mandela created a stunning vision of human and racial equity to fortify the minds of his supporters and seduce the minds of his oppressors. Because of the seamlessness between his personality and leadership, Mandela was able to decoy his oppressors away from their operating philosophies of race supremacy and structures of apartheid it instituted. Mandela challenged the World to discover the beauty of each human being regardless of their race, gender and philosophies.
Individual Values • Consciousness of self-Mandela was aware of his values, emotions and beliefs that would motivate him to take action. Mandela could be, when called for, an articulate technocrat, an expressive statesman or a humorous story teller. He was very much aware of what situation called for and knew the expectation of the people. At the same time, he was able to put himself in their position. • Congruence- His demands were consistent and genuine. He was fighting against both white and black domination. All his thoughts and feeling were founded on equality. • Commitment-refers to motivational energy to serve the community and this propels the collective effort. The commitment to apartheid free South Africa describes his passion to a fair society.
Group values • Collaboration-This refers to working with others in a common effort. It is the foundation of group leadership as it empowers self and others through trust. Mandela was able to multiply the effectiveness of his party by banking on multiple talents and perspectives of his party members. Recognizing the common mission of the party helped all its members generate high level of trust in Mandela. • Common purpose-Mandela ensured that all members of his party shared in the vision and participates fully in articulating the goals of the leadership.
Group values Controversy with Civility- recognizes two basic realities of any creative party effort: those differences in opinion are inevitable, and that differences must be solved openly with civility. Mandela was championing for racial equality, however, he requested his supporters to shun racism and not those who practice racism. Mandela emphasized on respect for the oppressors, and willingness to hear their opinions, and he exercise restraint in demonizing their actions. Controversy can often result to new, creative solution to challenges, especially when its facilitated in an atmosphere of civility.
Community Values Citizenship describes the process whereby the individual and the party become responsibly connected to the society through the leadership. Mandela is considered as a good citizen for he worked for he championed for positive change for the entire South Africa. Citizenship in this case acknowledges the interdependence of all those affected by Mandela’s efforts. His effort recognized the common purpose of party for the rights of all South Africans who are affected by racism. Good citizenship therefore recognizes that effective democracy entails individual responsibility as well as individual rights.
Basic Tenets of leadership • Ethical engagement and citizenship-Mandela promoted positive civic negotiation and social responsibility through an ethical forum and a concern for equality. At the hub of the entire change process, Mandela realized that good citizenship calls for a sacrifice. This is working for positive change on behalf of others. Citizenship therefore acknowledges the interdependence of all those who take part in these efforts. Individual democracy involves individual responsibility as well personal rights. Mandela focused on change as he realized that this will be the only instrument to improve the status quo, creating a better nation, and demonstrating relief with ambiguity and transition in the change process. • Sharing the ‘commitment to Action’- Not all African leaders supported Mandela. Others claimed that he had been bought in that is why he was insisting on civility. Mandela understood the thoughts of all his opponents and he worked to convince them to support his bid.
Basic Tenets of leadership • Collaboration and problem solving-Mandela realized that his supporters can truly cooperate and problem solve when they appreciate the difference and are able to identify with those whom they interact. • Ethical practices-This involves learning basic principles associated with leadership skills. Mandela lived an integral life, with agreement between commitment, consciousness of self and congruence.
Conclusion With willingness to sacrifice for others, wisdom and patience, Nelson Mandela led a movement that unified a divided nation and reconciled decades of oppression and racism. Throughout his political life, Mandela chose to learn from his mistakes rather than repeat them. Mandela’s biggest triumph was the lessons he learned in his political life. His life is a description of social change leadership.
References Benson, Mary, and Karen Heywood. Nelson Mandela. London: H. Hamilton, 1986. Print. In Etzioni, A., & In Etzioni-Halevy, E. (1964). Social change: sources, patterns, and consequences. New York: Basic Books Komives, S. R., & Wagner, W. (2009). Leadership for a better world: Understanding the social change model of leadership development. San Francisco, Calif: Jossey-Bass.
