by Dan Oswald
“A good head and a good heart are always a formidable combination.”
Nelson Mandela
On December 5, the world lost an incredible leader when Nelson Mandela passed away at age 95. Mandela was South Africa’s first black president and led the country after the end of apartheid.
Mandela’s passing caused me to once again watch the movie Invictus, directed by Clint Eastwood and starring Morgan Freeman as Mandela. If you haven’t seen the movie, I encourage you to take the time to watch it. You’ll see glimpses of the leadership qualities Mandela possessed and how he was able to help bring a country back together after decades of racial segregation.
“It is better to lead from behind and to put others in front, especially when you celebrate victory when nice things occur. You take the front line when there is danger. Then people will appreciate your leadership.”
Nelson Mandela
The movie is about the 1995 Rugby World Cup, which was hosted and ultimately won by South Africa. The film centers around Mandela’s use of the South African team and the World Cup to unite his country after apartheid. The title of the movie is a Latin word that means “undefeated” or “unconquered.” It also is the title of a poem written by William Ernest Henley that Mandela says was very important to him during his 27-year imprisonment.
“A good leader can engage in a debate frankly and thoroughly, knowing that at the end he and the other side must be closer, and thus emerge stronger. You don’t have that idea when you are arrogant, superficial, and uninformed.”
Nelson Mandela
Instead of writing about Mandela’s strong and unique leadership qualities, I thought I would share the poem that was so important to him.
Invictus
Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.
In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.
Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds and shall find me unafraid.
It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate,
I am the captain of my soul.