by Richard Stengel
Reprint edition (March 20, 2018)
272 pages
This is one of my personal favorites. Nelson Mandela was one of the most influential leaders of the 20th century. My copy is the previously titled, Mandela’s Way: Fifteen Lessons on Life, Love, and Courage, copyright 2009. This book makes a great gift for leaders at any level or stage of their career.
Richard Stengel previously collaborated with the late Nelson Mandela on his autobiography, Long Walk to Freedom. In this book, he shares stories and lessons from Mandela’s amazing life. It chronicles his early years, his time as militant leader of the African National Congress, his 27 years in prison, his release, and subsequent term as president of South Africa.
Some takeaways you may discover:
· How to remain calm and courageous.
· When to lead from the front and when to lead from the rear.
· The need to determine what you stand for and to learn what others value.
· How to remain emotionally mature when you have the power to be anything but.
Mandela’s story is one of transformation from angry young rebel to healer of a nation. Along the way, he learned how to build lasting relationships by choosing love and hope over hate and despair. His understanding of both his allies and his enemies allowed him to build bridges, while his willingness to bury anger and bitterness in favor of forgiveness and reconciliation made him a trusted figure that all sides could rally around.
Often, new leaders have yet to figure out what it means to lead or what traits will define their leadership style. Conversely, seasoned leaders sometimes lose their way and find themselves struggling to succeed. Mandela’s Way offers each a portrait of an exceptional leader to model.
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