There is not a more fitting capstone to this series on mentoring than ending with a tribute to Nelson Mandela, former president of South Africa and Nobel Peace Prize recipient, a man who was — and remains — a mentor to the world.
Qualities: Nelson Mandela possessed many endearing qualities. As a humanitarian and peacemaker, he gave a voice to human rights and demonstrated the capacity of the human spirit. As he fought to end apartheid in South Africa, he united people not only in his country but also around the world. His carefully structured messages were spoken from his lived experience and the heart. As he advocated for social justice, freedom and equality, his actions and intellect positioned him as a powerful world leader. Even in his later years, Nelson Mandela founded The Elders, a group of seasoned global leaders, to work together on human rights issues and world peace.
Quotes:
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
“Lead from the back — and let others believe they are in front.”
“For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.”
“Courage is not the absence of fear — it is inspiring others to move beyond it.”
“There is no passion to be found playing small — in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living.”
“If you want to make peace with your enemy, you have to work with your enemy. Then he becomes your partner.”
“The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.”
Questions: Reviewing Nelson Mandela’s purpose-driven life, I am inspired to pose several questions for all of us to consider as we move our lives forward in a more purposeful way:
What voice lies dormant within me that needs to come out? On whose behalf can I speak or serve as an advocate?
How can I treat others with greater dignity and respect?
What contributions can I make to my community, my country or the world? To enhance education? To eliminate poverty? To feed the hungry? To model sustainability? To live in peace?
What small changes can I make in my life, every day, to become a more positive role model for others?
What bitterness or negativity can I rise above and begin living my life more fully and wholly? Who do I need to begin building positive relationships with…whether at home or at work?
When you find yourself struggling with a big question, a challenge, or an altercation, ask yourself, “How can the wisdom of Nelson Mandela guide me with courage and grace?”