What if we led like Madiba?

We were conversing this evening at dinner about how far South Africa and South Africans have progressed in only 14 years of independence (which is what 1994, the year of their first democratic election is called). To achieve this level of pride, racial integration and yes, harmony, in just 14 years is truly incredulous. I have been trying to comprehend the mindset shifts, nay lunges and leaps that individuals have had to make – total destruction of fundamental beliefs they have long held, and new ones in their place. People’s worlds have been shattered and shaken to bits. When this happens, even though the new world is acknowledged to be a brighter, better one, the shock of the change is such that people are disoriented and shaken, trying to come to a place of understanding, balance and equilibrium in the new paradigm. And yet, the people of South Africa are adjusting, learning and growing.

What has caused the blossoming of the “Rainbow nation”? For me, there is one fundamental element – the tone set by the leadership, in the person of Nelson Mandela.

I was thinking – what if he had been bitter and vindictive when he was released from prison? What if he had brought hate, negativity and fear to his presidency? What if his words were words of revenge, retaliation and vengeance? That would have been easy and understandable, after all he had been through. Just think how different South Africa would be today.

Yet Madiba or Daddy Mandela as he is lovingly called chose another way of being, speaking words of love and forgiveness, and acting accordingly. This made all the difference to the lives of the 47 million citizens of South Africa. It has made all the difference to the rest of the world – to remind us that it IS possible, and that one person CAN make a difference! What does it take, to make this type of difference in the world? A choice – to act from a place of love or hate. Madiba chose love, and the world feels this love and loves him back! But more importantly, we are inspired to be the love ourselves and to make a difference in our own world.

So, my question to you is: if South Africa can experience this level of transformation in just 14 years, what would be possible in our own organizations and countries IF we led like Madiba?