STREAM EXCLUSIVE ORIGINALS

10 Leadership Qualities Madiba Taught Us

Madiba was one of the world's greatest leaders. Here's a wrap up of all the qualities we should take from Nelson Mandela's legendary guidance.
  1. Patience

    Actor Lawrence Fishburne on set shooting part 2 of BET's epic miniseries, Madiba.

    Photo: Georges De Keerle/Getty Images

    (Photo: Georges De Keerle/Getty Images)

    Don’t let the little things in life distract you from the bigger picture. Have a plan and stick to it. 

  2. Confidence

    (Photo: Per-Anders Pettersson/Getty Images)

    Photo: Per-Anders Pettersson/Getty Images

    (Photo: Per-Anders Pettersson/Getty Images)

    A great leader is confident. Believe in yourself and your abilities more than anyone else. But don’t allow yourself to be arrogant.

  3. Build

     (Photo: Per-Anders Pettersson/Getty Images)

    Photo: Per-Anders Pettersson/Getty Images

    (Photo: Per-Anders Pettersson/Getty Images)

    Build relationships. They matter not just for you, but for society as well.

  4. advertisement
  5. Inspire

     (Photo: Per-Anders Pettersson/Liaison Agency)

    Photo: Per-Anders Pettersson/Liaison Agency

    (Photo: Per-Anders Pettersson/Liaison Agency)

    Inspire others and make sure that your leadership is positive. Be someone that people should admire.

  6. Vision

    (Photo: ALEXANDER JOE/AFP/Getty Images)

    ALEXANDER JOE/AFP/Getty Images

    (Photo: ALEXANDER JOE/AFP/Getty Images)

    Have a vision for what you intend to do. A leader always executes with well thought out plans. See all the possibilities and how it will effect you and your team long term.

  7. Honesty

    (Photo:  WALTER DHLADHLA/AFP/Getty Images)

    WALTER DHLADHLA/AFP/Getty Images

    (Photo: WALTER DHLADHLA/AFP/Getty Images)

    Be honest with yourself and others. It’s the best policy because it avoids problems and opens up communication between yourself and the ones you’re leading.

  8. advertisement
  9. Enable

    (Photo: WALTER DHLADHLA/AFP/Getty Images)

    WALTER DHLADHLA/AFP/Getty Images

    (Photo: WALTER DHLADHLA/AFP/Getty Images)

    Help others to grow, create guidance and set a tone for how things should be done.

  10. Achieve

    (Photo: Georges De Keerle/Getty Images)

    Photo: RAJESH JANTILAL/AFP/Getty Images

    (Photo: RAJESH JANTILAL/AFP/Getty Images)

    Focus on results. Be a man or woman of your word. Actions speak louder than words.

  11. Positivity

    (Photo: RAJESH JANTILAL/AFP/Getty Images)

    RAJESH JANTILAL/AFP/Getty Images

    (Photo: Susan Winters Cook/Getty Images)

    Dont let it show when things get you down. There are people looking up to you!

  12. advertisement
  13. RESOLUTION

     (Photo: Marcos Cruz)

    Photo: Marcos Cruz

    (Photo: Marcos Cruz)

    Focus on interests and needs. A great leader sees what needs to be done for the greater good. A great leader isn't biased and thinks logically about solutions.

Latest News

Subscribe for BET Updates

Provide your email address to receive our newsletter.


By clicking Subscribe, you confirm that you have read and agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge our Privacy Policy. You also agree to receive marketing communications, updates, special offers (including partner offers) and other information from BET and the Paramount family of companies. You understand that you can unsubscribe at any time.