On Leaders, Leadership, and Nelson Mandela

It is becoming increasingly apparent to me that the only way to lead TRULY effectively, is to lead by example. Imagination, Knowledge, and Vision all seem important... but it does not seeem that a 'leader' who does not live by all that he preaches... can ever truly lead. I cannot envision a hypocrite at the forefront of any transformational movement.

Myself, I am committed to inspiring and encouraging all to fulfill on what is possible. I need to do what I know is thus possible.

It seems like the 'Be the Change' Movement founders got it right when they based their movement on Ghandi's statement: 'We must be the change we wish to see in the world.'

Part of discovering how to lead effectively seems to be to understand what it is like to 'be' a leader and to actually just 'be' that. Throughout this blog I will include quotes and comments of many leaders... I intend to shed light on the world as they see it; the world that calls to them to lead.

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Nelson Mandela on Education...

'Our children are the rock on which our future will be built, our greatest asset as a nation. They will be the leaders of our country, the creators of our national wealth, those who care for and protect our people. But if they are to take on this great responsability, the rich potential in every child must be developed into the skills and the knowledge that our society needs. Education is the key to that process. It is also a door which opens from every village and city onto our larger society and indeed onto the whole world.'

regarding the opening of a school...

'The project whose completion we are marking today provides an example of the spirit of partnership which must be our guiding principle. The government has taken important steps to define and start phasing in an educational policy which meets the needs of our people and our times. This can only succeed in cooperation with communities, the private sector and the donor community. Masakhane! Let us build each other and build together.'

Nelson Mandela's vision seems to be one void of criticism. In our society today, many leaders spend much time criticizing others, rather than speaking to what is good and what is possible. In no way do I mean that we should pretend that all things are 'hunky dory'... but a vision that calls attention to the faults of others is not one that can truly capture the meaning of an entire community coming together in 'the spirit of partnership' in order to 'build each other and build together.'

Many teachers across our nation point out their struggle in the face the vast amount of criticism about public schools and the outcry about a 'crisis' in education. These teachers are also a huge source of strength for our nation. Not a focus for complaint.