Why is racial healing needed, particularly at this undefinable epoch? How can racial healing and leadership, a potent combination, rise to meet some of the unforeseen challenges we will likely face in the next several years?

PART 3 Leading From Within (Mandela and Tutu)

I think Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Tutu exemplified an unusual depth of self-awareness. Specifically, a few of their self-differentiated characteristics were a solid sense of self, the ability to self-validate, and the ability to tolerate short-term pain for long-term growth. [1] Some of the traits were the unpopular positions they held at times, their ability to allow others to grow into their humanity, and the fact that each suffered pain for the sake of a hoped-for outcome. [2].

Another aspect of self-awareness is understanding how you will react in various situations.  Edwin Friedman argues that emotions often influence leaders to seek quick fixes, become reactionary, and eventually succumb to emotional regression. [3]

The last point about self-awareness is that there is a delicate balance between self-awareness (in this case, knowing how you will react), knowing your value (strengths and identity), and displaying vulnerability (authenticity). Learning to lead without emotionally toxic reactions requires practice, operating from a place of power (value) and authenticity, or being unafraid to be vulnerable. I like how Brene Brown explains vulnerability in her book Daring to Lead. She writes on page 11, "Who we are is how we lead. " And on vulnerability, she clarifies that setting boundaries is okay. Vulnerability without the "boundaries is …confession, manipulation, desperation or shock and awe but it's not vulnerability."[4]

Thank you for continuing the journey of reflection on insights gained from South Africa regarding leadership and racial healing. Stay tuned for part four coming soon.

Feel free to send me your thoughts or comments on anything that resonates with you.

 [1] Simon Walker, Leading Out of Who You Are Discovering the Secret of Undefended Leadership (Kindle Edition: Piquant Editions, 2007), 21.

[2] Nelson Mandela, Long Walk to Freedom: The Autobiography of Nelson Mandela (New York: Back Bay Books, 1994) ix.

[3] Edwin H. Friedman, A Failure of Nerve: Leadership in the Age of the Quick Fix. Rev. ed. Edward W. Beal, and Margaret M. Treadwell (New York: Church Publishing, 2017), 59.

[4] Brene Brown, Date to Lead (New York: Random House, 2018), 39.