We owe our children – the most vulnerable citizens in any society – a life free from violence and fear.
Nelson MandelaRead
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.
Interpretation
What this quote means
A great leader prioritizes the success of others and takes responsibility in difficult times.
Nelson Mandela emphasizes that effective leadership involves selflessness and the ability to empower others. True leaders step aside to let their team shine in moments of success, while they stand at the forefront during challenging times, fostering loyalty and respect among their followers.
Themes
LeadershipSelflessnessEmpowermentResponsibilityTeamwork
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be shared in a leadership workshop to illustrate the importance of servant leadership.
More from Nelson Mandela
All quotes →What freedom am I being offered while the organization of the people remains banned? Only free men can negotiate. A prisoner cannot enter into contracts.
Nelson MandelaRead
The past is a rich resource on which we can draw in order to make decisions for the future, but it does not dictate our choices. We should look back at the past and select what is good, and leave behind what is bad.
Nelson MandelaRead
We signal that good can be achieved amongst human beings who are prepared to trust, prepared to believe in the goodness of people.
Nelson MandelaRead
After one has been in prison, it is the small things that one appreciates: being able to take a walk whenever one wants, going into a shop and buying a newspaper, speaking or choosing to remain silent. The simple act of being able to control one's person.
Nelson MandelaRead
I dream of the realization of the unity of Africa, whereby its leaders combine in their efforts to solve the problems of this continent. I dream of our vast deserts, of our forests, of all our great wildernesses.
Nelson MandelaRead
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