Recently I rewatched the movie Invictus. For those who are not familiar with this movie. It is a movie about how Nelson Mandela used Rugby to unify a fragile South Africa right after he was elected president. 
Tensions were still high because of the pain of apartheid and the anger at the people who had oppressed much of the nation. Mandela was not immune to this anger as he had been imprisoned for over 30 years before his release and election to office. As I watched this movie, I saw a few leadership lessons for us.
Everyone matters
As with any leader, Mandela had fans and he had haters. He did not live in fear though. He would intentionally walk slowly through the crowds to greet people, compliment people, and personally shake their hands. As a person who was imprisoned by the apartheid government, he could have refused to connect with anyone sympathetic to this philosophy. He didn’t. He intentionally reached out and connected with them.
As leaders we are busy, but people need to know we care about them. How do we do that? Take time to connect. Learn about the people we lead beyond their job responsibilities. Not just as a task to do, but because we care. Why did people follow Mandela? In part because they knew he cared.
Standing Alone
Colored people, as they were called in the movie, did not care for the national rugby team because it reminded them of the apartheid oppression. Because of this after a poor season they were ready to change the name. Mandela disagreed with this idea firmly even though members of his leadership team thought he should not get involved, he did.
Mandela saw more before the people and could see how this would further divide the already fragile nation. He explained why it was important to keep the name and by a small margin the people voted to keep the name. He stood alone for what he knew was right even amidst extreme political risk.
Sometimes as leaders we must have the courage to stand alone for what we know is right. Not because it is our idea, but because what we stand for is in the best interest of the greater vision.
A Grander Vision
As I mentioned, Mandela had many reasons to be angry and bitter. He instead chose a path of forgiveness. Instead of seeking revenge with his power he held a vision of unification. He saw in rugby, a sport his people did not understand, a chance to bring the nation together in unity. He knew the path to unification was not creating division and vengeance, but forgiveness and a common bond to rally around.
Sometimes we need to use different approaches to rally our team to a common vision. The vision may be a common goal, but is there something you can create that will unify everyone? That method of unifying may not be what you expect. It may be supporting a cause outside your organization or some other approach.
Which of these areas do you need to develop as a leader? Need help thinking into your leadership or getting your people to think bigger? Contact me to discover ways I may be able to help you or your team. Lead well.
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