Invictus Review

 View the movie with an eye on Nelson Mandella's style of leadership as he works to bring his country together. Be prepared to discuss how Mandella's used disruption As a catalyst for change.

I am surprised that this movie didn't gain more attention when it was released.  Invictus is the story of Nelson Mandella's ability to lead a country that is divided between racial lines through the Rugby World Cup in 1995.

While I have many thoughts on Mandella's ability to forgive, and how that played a major role on his leadership style, the phrase that really struck me was towards the beginning of the movie when he is out for his walk during his first morning of his Presidency.  The movie builds-up a possible assault or assassination attempt within his first hours, only to find that it is the newspaperman delivering the morning paper.  The front page says, "He Won an Election, But Can He Lead a Country?"  This quote struck me personally, as I attempt to become a Principal with the knowledge that my new job would bring about more questions than answers, and would be an example of the completion of a goal being the start of another set of goals.  Mandella's statement about it being a fair question shows how he is leading in the moment, and how he stays reflective even in times of stress.

There are many moment sin the movie that highlight Mandella's leadership style and ability.  Throughout his contacts with others, either individually or as a group, his sense of purpose and genuineness can be felt as he speaks.  His meeting with Frances is one such meeting where Mandella's describes inspiration, and how a leader can use inspiration as the work of others.  "We must exceed our own expectations."

"Forgiveness removes fear" was another quote I took away from this movie.  Mandella's willingness to have the same bodyguards that were responsible for protecting his enemy is an example of his forethought regarding his public persona, but also an example of his courage.

I also enjoyed the part where Mandella's had the rugby team go into the community and teach children about rugby.  This was a brilliant strategy of uniting the country through sport, and it was great to see that, by the end of the session, the South African children were jumping on the white players as much as they were enthralled with Chester at the beginning of the session.

Like many other resources throughout this program, the addition of this movie into my 'toolbox' will help as I work towards my goal of leading a school.