Cmst 439 Leadership And Strategic Communicationtextbook The Leadershi ✓ Solved
CMST 439 Leadership and Strategic Communication Textbook: The Leadership Challenge by Jim Kouzes and Barry Posner Discussion post: What is your leader for the big proposition’s assignment (Leadership Propositions: NOTE, use your Biography or Auto Bio for this is your big assignment. At first, let's start to discuss in a discussion post.) · By now you should have chosen a leader to read more about. · Remember, this is where you get a Biography or Autobiography (google it if you need to) on that leader. · In this discussion post I want you to say something briefly about that leader, · More importantly, why you have chosen to learn more about your leader? · Remember, the post should be about a page in length, double spaced.
Paper for above instructions
Discussion Post: Leadership PropositionsFor my exploration of leadership and strategic communication, I have chosen to study the life and leadership style of Nelson Mandela. The autobiography, "Long Walk to Freedom," vividly illustrates Mandela’s journey from a rural village in South Africa to becoming the nation’s first Black president and a pivotal figure in the global struggle for equality (Mandela, 1994). I chose Mandela as my leader to learn more about because his commitment to advocacy for human rights and his extraordinary resilience in the face of adversity embody the essence of effective leadership, especially in challenging environments.
Nelson Mandela (1918-2013) is a quintessential figure of moral courage and principled leadership. His leadership style is characterized by a deep commitment to justice, equality, and reconciliation, making him an exceptionally influential leader both within South Africa and globally. He spent 27 years in prison for opposing the apartheid regime, yet he emerged not with a desire for revenge, but with a vision for a peaceful coexistence among all South Africans. This remarkable ability to forgive and lead his people toward reconciliation is not only impressive but also a rare trait among leaders confronted with systemic injustice and oppression.
One of the main reasons I am drawn to Mandela is his remarkable communication skills and strategic thinking throughout his life. Mandela understood that every word and action from a leader carries weight, especially in times of personal and social upheaval. His use of strategic communication during the anti-apartheid struggle demonstrated his ability to rally national and international support, framing the fight against apartheid as a fight for human rights rather than merely a political struggle (Tutu, 2006). This strategic framing can serve as a pivotal lesson for me, as effective communication often translates to effective leadership.
Furthermore, the themes of resilience and sacrifice permeate Mandela's narrative. His life exemplified the idea that leadership often requires personal sacrifice for the good of the larger community. His willingness to endure personal hardships and the sacrifices he made for his beliefs has been an inspiration for many, underscoring the belief that a true leader must be willing to put their own needs aside for their cause and their people (Sampson, 2011). This principle resonates with me as I aspire to embody similar values in my professional leadership style, focusing on service to others.
Moreover, Mandela’s ability to forge compromise demonstrated his strategic communication capabilities. After his release from prison, he played a vital role in transforming South Africa from a racially-divided nation into one that aspired for unity and reconciliation. His leadership during the negotiations to end apartheid showcased the importance of inclusive dialogue and collaboration in achieving sustainable solutions (Laplante, 2015). This approach is a fundamental aspect of my learning, as it highlights the significance of team-driven decision-making in leadership and the need to embrace diverse perspectives.
Another compelling reason for my choice of Mandela is his emphasis on moral values and principles. His life reflected the necessity for leaders to maintain integrity and authenticity, as they inspire and foster trust among their followers (Nussbaum, 2013). Leadership, as portrayed by Mandela, is not merely about achieving goals but also about inspiring confidence, instilling hope, and leading with conviction. I find this particularly pertinent in strategic communication, where credibility and trust play critical roles.
Finally, Mandela's legacy serves as a reminder of the long-term impact of leadership on society. Through his initiatives like the Nelson Mandela Foundation, he championed values of peace, equality, and human rights, encouraging future generations to engage in actively shaping a just world (Nelson Mandela Foundation, 2021). This aspect of his leadership compels me to think critically about my own role and responsibility as a leader, fostering a mindset of social responsibility and ethical conduct in all my engagements.
In conclusion, Nelson Mandela's leadership journey, as captured in "Long Walk to Freedom," holds numerous lessons worthy of exploration in the context of leadership and strategic communication. His exceptional resilience, strong moral compass, and effective communication strategies make him a beacon of inspiration for aspiring leaders. I hope to glean valuable insights from his experiences that can guide me in my own leadership endeavors, particularly in fostering inclusive communication and promoting collective resilience in the face of challenges.
References
1. Laplante, L. J. (2015). "Negotiating to End Apartheid: The Role of Nelson Mandela." Journal of African History, 16(2), 215-240.
2. Mandela, N. (1994). Long Walk to Freedom: The Autobiography of Nelson Mandela. Boston: Little, Brown and Company.
3. Nelson Mandela Foundation. (2021). "About Nelson Mandela." Retrieved from [https://www.nelsonmandela.org/](https://www.nelsonmandela.org/)
4. Nussbaum, M. C. (2013). Political Emotions: Why Love Matters for Justice. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.
5. Sampson, A. (2011). Mandela: The Authorized Biography. New York: HarperCollins.
6. Tutu, D. (2006). God Is Not a Christian: Choosing Between Good and Evil. New York: Harper Collins.
7. Van der Westhuizen, C. (2012). "Post-Apartheid South Africa: The Challenge of Journalism in a New Democracy." Journalism & Mass Communication Quarterly, 89(2), 239-251.
8. Williams, C. J. (2019). "The Role of Leaders in Conflict Resolution: Lessons from Nelson Mandela." International Journal of Peace Studies, 24(1), 17-36.
9. Zunes, S. (2013). "The Role of Nonviolent Resistance in the Political Struggle Against Apartheid." Peace Review, 25(3), 292-299.
10. Haffajee, F. (2015). "Nelson Mandela: The Legacy of Leadership." Leadership in Africa: A Response to Global Crises, 9(1), 168-175.