Leadership Paper - Grade: B PDF

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RUNNING HEADER: LEADERSHIP PAPER

Leadership Paper Jackson Everhart Grand Canyon University

2 Leadership Paper Leadership Paper What does it mean to be a great leader? Many people mistake managers and leaders as being the same thing. But the truth is, being an effective leader is significantly different from just acting as a boss or manager. Handling people consists of controlling people in order to accomplish a goal, whereas leading people is to influence an individual or individuals towards success (Nayar, 2014). When imagining the word “leadership” a variety of images come to mind; for example, when people hear the word “leader” or “leadership” they may think about a political leader, like the President of the United States. Another example might be someone who guides a team to accomplish a goal or mission, like an executive at a large company. A perfect example of a ‘great’ leader is Nelson Mandela. He displays various leadership traits such as being influential, motivational, and inspirational to others. Mandela demonstrated remarkable leadership qualities that do not go unrecognized. Nelson Mandela was an amazing leader because of his passion for change. Born on July 1918 in Transkei, South Africa (biography.com, n.d.). He was actively involved in the antiapartheid movement and joined the African National Congress. He directed a campaign of peaceful, nonviolent defiance against the South African government and their racist policies. Mandela was one of many leaders to put an end to segregation in Africa by making sure that the people of Africa fully understood his goal to create equality in the country. His actions influenced and motivated others to accept those who are of a different race. Mandela made sure that he accomplished his mission and took every step he needed to be successful in his goal. Mandela executed his vision and inspired his country to act, change, and seek acceptance of everyone. Mandela had a very charismatic personality; he was self-determined, strong minded, intelligent, and had sensible integrity. His character also encouraged others to change their goals,

3 Leadership Paper values, and beliefs. His passion for spiritual beliefs showed everyone the integrity and willingness to never give up (BBC News, 2013). Leadership is defined as the ability to influence people towards the achievement of goals. Leadership involves establishing a clear vision that is shared with others who will follow the guidance from someone in power. A leader steps up during hard times and is able to act and think effectively through difficult situations (Business Dictionary , n.d.). Nelson Mandela established his leadership style with a vision whom he shared with others. His vision inspired others to follow his direction willingly so create the change he wanted and to achieve his goal (very repetitive, maybe reword) Mandela shows a democratic leadership style which can also be known as participative leadership. This style of leadership allows members of a group to participate with the decision making. Everyone is given the opportunity to voice their ideas, concerns, and discuss things openly. This leadership style focuses on equality in groups while there is guidance and control (Engleberg & Wynn, 2013). Mandela showed democratic leadership through his action and vision, which made him one of the worlds most recognized leaders. By exemplifying a democratic leadership style, he was able to communicate through each layer of social groups in Africa and influence a dramatic change in the nation’s political situation. Each group member became active stakeholders through their individual talents allowing more fluidity throughout the political system, Mandela encouraged the citizens to fight for their rights and most importantly their freedom. He did this by traveling around Africa giving inspirational speeches to motivate those who listened. Mandela was captivating and successful, which had a huge impact towards his followers. He was able to gain their trust and gave them the will to continue fighting and pledging willingness to obey him (Chris, 2015).

4 Leadership Paper Nelson Mandela had a very charismatic personality, which allowed him to stem power to achieve his goals. He used a variety of different techniques to achieve his objectives. Legitimate power is derived from the position you hold in the organization’s hierarchy of authority (Johnson, n.d.). Mandela used legitimate power after becoming the president for Africa in 1994. He took advantage of his position in hierarchy to influence and make a change for the nation in a positive way. Mandela also used expert power to establish peace and unity. Subsequently, he used power from his personal and professional network by establishing union with every section of the society to effectively influence the movement of change. Mandela also use referent power, which is… He had one on one personal relationships with each and every follower that accompanied him through the fight to change for the better of society. He also used referent power by turning down Botha’s offer of conditional amnesty. He opted to stay in his prison cell. This decision was powerful and demonstrated his willingness to give up his own personal freedom for what he stood and believed in (Schoemaker, 2013). This was another one of the great acts he did that allowed his followers to see how dedicated and true he was to his vision. Nelson Mandela had a great dream that led him to fight hard for a better mankind. He believed that one day the people of Africa would be free and equalized. He did not stop until he made sure that this goal was achieved. Doing so, he did everything possible to spread his vision around the nation. Although he was imprisoned for twenty-seven years, he did not stop pursuing and influencing those around him. His dedicated to the cause never ceased. He constantly guided his followers to vision life for the better good. In addition he guided his followers to fight for their freedom and what they believed in while avoiding violence. He led with charisma rather than threats, which proved more effective in getting others to hear his vision.

5 Leadership Paper There were many challenges that the people and Mandela faced during the war for a free and equalized nation. But through these difficult challenges, Mandela kept up with efficient and effective communication to his followers and everyone else. He meritoriously communicated his vision, goals, and steps needed to create a better nation. Nelson was the man who spoke up and fought for everyone’s rights. He saw those above and below him in power as equal citizens. His consistent encouragement allowed the Africans the opportunity to demonstrate their needs for equality as well. His charismatic personality was felt by everyone around him and was a huge influence on his followers. He was not only a great leader but a role model. He genuinely cared for his people and that allowed his followers to trust and believe in him. This motivated them to keep fighting and obey him. Mandela also helped his followers understand and develop an understanding for what is important for them as individuals and what was important for their nation as a whole. He wanted them to fight for equality by getting rid of racial discrimination. Throughout history, Nelson Mandela had become one of the greatest revolutionary leaders. He became an ethnic icon of freedom and equality to people, he showed great moral and is one of the most recognized political leaders. Mandela was awarded a Nobel Prize for “their work for the peaceful termination of the apartheid regime, and for laying the foundations for a new democratic South Africa” (NobelPrize.org, n.d). Becoming a great leader is not about making public appearances and giving out great speeches. Being a great leader is about leaving a powerful impact on the world by doing things that others will not and that no one will forget. By displaying these important qualities one can be looked up to as a leader. Mandela’s achievements throughout his life impacted many lives and changed so many people’s hearts; not only his country, but from others around the world. Mandela was indeed an inspirational, confident leader that contributed to so many around him. Nelson Mandela once said, “A good leader can engage

6 Leadership Paper in a debate frankly and thoroughly, knowing that at the end he and the other side must be closer, and thus emerge stronger. You don’t have that idea when you are arrogant, superficial, and uninformed”. (Biography.com, 2017). His words demonstrated what kind of leader he was and what a great leader’s mindset should be like. Nelson Mandela is truly an inspiration that did and continues to impact and influence other upcoming leaders today.

7 Leadership Paper References: Chris, J. (2015, August 31). 5 Nelson Mandela Leadership Style Secrets. Retrieved from http://www.josephchris.com/5-nelson-mandela-leadership-style-secrets Engleberg, I., Wynn, D. (2013). Working in Groups: Communication Principles and Strategies. Pearson Education Inc., 6, 83. Johnson, J. (n.d.). 5 Types of Power in Businesses. Retrieved from http://smallbusiness.chron.com/5-types-power-businesses-18221.html Nayar, V. (2014, August 07). Three Differences Between Managers and Leaders. Retrieved from https://hbr.org/2013/08/tests-of-a-leadership-transiti Nelson Mandela. (2017, April 28). (article/webpage title) Retrieved from https://www.biography.com/people/nelson-mandela-9397017 Leadership. (n.d.). (article/webpage title) Retrieved from http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/leadership.html The Nobel Peace Prize 1993. (n.d.).(article/webpage title) Retrieved from https://www.nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/peace/laureates/1993/ Schoemaker, P. (2013, December 05). The 3 Decisions That Made Mandela a Truly Great Leader. Retrieved from https://www.inc.com/paul-schoemaker/what-made-nelsonmandela-such-a-great-leader.html...