I admire Mandela’s leadership ability to identify a problem and set aside personal feelings to help South Africa heal. He is high integrity, forgiveness, hard work, compassion, and innovation leader. He tried to help everyone. We can agree that these two men are honorable leaders who know how to lead and follow (Northouse, 2019). Both Mandela and Francois are dedicated to doing the right thing for their country. In this film, I was inspired by Mandela’s faith in the face of adversity. President Mandela expressed his views on leadership and forgiveness for those who put him in prison. His response alone embodies authentic leadership.
When Mandela visits the team at practice, he gives Mr. Francois a poem to inspire the team, just as he did in prison. William Ernest Henley wrote the poem “Invictus.” The poem is about facing adversity with courage. After Apartheid, it was about the unity of humanity, not just races. Invictus means unconquerable. South Africans can relate to this poem’s meaning of bravery, courage, and national strength. It is easy to give up in difficult times, but having faith takes dedication, hard work, and endurance in which leaders set the example and assure them that they will ultimately prevail. At the film’s beginning, he goes to a rugby game and shakes hands with the crowd. He is the new President, and he thinks this favorite team can unite his country. A sports team has access to the media and other resources to influence millions of people to do good.
Nelson Mandela and Francois Pienaar had a significant influence on fellow South Africans. That is something we should all strive for. They led their team, staff, and country. We can apply their skills by persevering and striving for excellence in life. We can adapt their work ethic, dedication, and faith in the face of adversity. Leaders like Francois and his team sometimes need encouragement. We can lead better by encouraging others. We can also learn about forgiveness from this film. Leaders must learn to forgive to inspire others to do the same. We must show them that we are vital in the face of adversity and pure in heart.
References
Northouse, P. G. (2019). Introduction to leadership: Concepts and practice. Sage Publications.