Good Exploring Leadership Traits Essay Example

Invictus

Invictus narrates a story about former South African president Nelson Mandela. It details the events that transpired in the country in 1995 in the run up to Rugby World Cup. These events immediately came after the end of the struggle against apartheid. Mandela’s mission was to unite a country torn apart by the ill will both sides of the racial divide had towards each other.

Nelson Mandela (Morgan Freeman)
Nelson Mandela exhibits various leadership traits in the film. Mandela is driven by purpose to communicate on the urgent need to restore a broken nation. The conversation between Jason and Mandela reveals Mandela’s intention to embrace new ways of doing things especially now that he is the president. Mandela achieves a rare goal of uniting divided blacks and whites so that they remain loyal and committed to a new government. This follows division between his security detail that encompasses a white establishment following the country’s history of white Presidents and the co-opted black security detail. The frictions that emerge and how Mandela solves demonstrates good leadership. The ability to united people is an indication of his open mindedness.

Francois Pienaar (Matt Damon)

Like Nelson Mandela, the captain of the Springboks rugby team, Francois Pienaar, is an open minded leader. Despite the white supremacy that Springboks symbolizes, Francois agrees to share Mandela’s vision of unity. This is supported by his willingness to train his team in readiness for the national event. The interaction of players and fans mark the beginning of friendship between blacks and whites. The black population begins to demonstrate support for the Springboks. Eventually the whole nation unites behind Springboks, courtesy of a collective goal between Francois Pienaar and Nelson Mandela.

The essence of leadership

The essence of Morgan Freeman’s conciliatory spirit is exemplified in the movie. Leadership does not qualify for its usefulness unless the leader is able to demonstrate forgiveness. Freeman underscores the essence of leadership with love, leadership with humility and leadership with forgiveness. He tells Jason that forgiveness not only liberates the soul but also removes fear.

Traits in President Mandela and Francois

President Mandela’s ability to forgive is the foremost leadership trait that manifests in him. Despite being detained for 27 years in prison followed by an immediate ascension to presidency, Mandela is able to forgive his detainees and seek lasting peace that can move a nation forward. Francois embodies the ability to work towards a common goal. When Mandela approaches him over the rugby idea, he readily welcomes it and trains his team ahead of the event.

Meaning of “Invictus” mean to Mandela and South Africa as a nation

Invictus is a poem by William Ernest Henley. This poem has n important meaning to the character of Nelson Mandela because it symbolizes bravery in the face of adversity. Having spent many years in prison, Nelson Mandela emerged stronger than before he went into prison. The poem reflects the horrors and despicable conditions in the prison where Mandela had lived. It reassures him that no matter how tough the times may be, he won’t be afraid. Invictus might assure South Africans of a future of prosperity if they remain unafraid of the tough times that they may go through. In this regard, a leader must strive to unite hid followers during tough times rather than divide them.

Effect of a team’s performance on the larger institution

The performance of a team can affect a larger institution because it affects people’s emotions directly. Many people endear themselves to sports emotionally. In this regard, a team’s impressive performance can influence people’s emotions positively.

Lessons from Invictus

Invictus teaches us to embody positive virtues. We should endeavor to love one another the way Nelson Mandela desired for his people. Invictus reminds us that despite the variations in race, there is more to find in unity than division.

Work Cited

Barber, G., Birnbaun, R., Eastwood, C., Freeman, M., Hofmeyr, G., Lorenz, R., McCreary, L., Moore, T., & Neufeld, M. (Producers), & Eastwood, C. (Director). Invictus. United States: Warner Brothers Pictres, (2009).