Application of Effective Leadership

Application of Effective Leadership

Charlie Harris Jr

Western Governors University

Table of Contents

Introduction………………………………………………………………………………………..3

A1. Use of Leadership Theories and Leadership Styles…………………………………………..4

A1A. Contingency Theory: Effective Behaviors………………………………………….6

A2. Recommendation for Different Behaviors…………………………………………………....8

Introduction

Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela was born in the village of Mvezo in Umtama, then part of South Africa’s Cape Province.  Mandela received the name Nelson from his English teacher when he attended school.  Mandela began getting politically involved in 1942.  He joined the African National Congress in 1944 and helped to form the African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL).  Mandela began actively campaigning against the National Party’s policy of apartheid using nonviolent methods as inspired by Mahatma Gandhi.

Mandela ascended while at the ANCYL but overtime they were no closer to helping end apartheid.  As a result, they changed their philosophy and began more guerrilla warfare-like tactics to further their cause to end apartheid.  Because of those tactics, Mandela had to go on the run and did so for 17 months.  He was eventually captured, tried and convicted.  Mandela was imprisoned for 27 years.  He was finally released from prison on February 11, 1990.  Mandela immersed himself in official talks to end white minority rule and in 1991 was elected African National Congress President.

On April 27, 1994 Mandela voted for the first time in his life in South Africa’s first multiracial elections.  Then on May 10, 1994 he was inaugurated as South Africa’s first democratically elected President.  As president, Mandela was instrumental in the transition from minority rule and apartheid, winning international respect for his advocacy of national and international reconciliation.  True to his promise, Mandela stepped down in 1999 after one term as President.  He continued to work with the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund he set up in 1995 and established the Nelson Mandela Foundation and The Mandela Rhodes Foundation (‘Nelson Mandela Foundation,” 2019, para. 17).

Use of Leadership Theories and Leadership Styles

African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) President

“Servant leadership is based on six aspects that include authenticity, building community, sharing and providing leadership, as well as valuing people” (as sited in Penn State, 2014, para 4).  Mandela’s servant leadership style played a key role in leading his people before and after their independence.  Mandela responsibilities included coordinating all volunteer activities of the ANCYL.   Mandela trained his team on how to get people who are segregated and marginalized to act against the opposition government.  Mandela arranged and traveled with his team to every part of South Africa in the 1950s.  Mandela along with his team spoke to people convincing them they could do something about their oppression.  He warned his followers to not be intimidated by the opposition government and do not retaliate in the face of verbal and physical abuse.  Mandela’s leadership theory in this role inspired people.