The movie Invictus has some powerful messages for aspiring leaders and job-seekers alike.  Based on a true story about Nelson Mandela engaging the South African rugby team to unite people in his fledgling “rainbow” nation after the fall of apartheid, the movie can inspire anyone who has encountered difficulties or who wants to lead positive change.  The title (which means “unconquered” in Latin) comes from a 19^th century English poem, but its key message, often quoted in the movie by Mandela, is as relevant today as when it was written:

It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.

So, what specific lessons can we apply to the workplace?

1. No-one is a victim.  If a man can be confined to a small cell for twenty seven years and made to break rocks in sunshine so harsh it damaged his eyes and still believe he is in control of his destiny and holds the power to change the course of his life – let alone history – then so can you.
2. Mandela notices people and connects with them without arrogance or displaying his power.  Treating people with whom you work and those who work for you with courtesy and politeness pays dividends in loyalty and performance.
3. On his first day as President, Mandela calls all of the former administration’s employees, who are convinced they will lose their jobs, to a meeting where he reassures them of their value to him and appeals to them to stay.  Addressing concerns and acknowledging people as individuals brings humanity to the workplace by transforming faceless employees, colleagues or customers into engaged human beings who want to work with you and want you to do well.
4. Mandela’s bodyguards comprise two clashing sub-groups – former security police/enforcers of the old regime and former so-called terrorists – who have to learn to work as a team despite their lack of trust and enmity. When there is conflict in the workplace – because of differing ideas, opinions, work styles, backgrounds or anything else – help people focus on a common goal, set the expectation that they have to find ways of working together and allow them to work things out for themselves.  With a powerful unifying vision, differences can dissolve in time.
5. Mandela overturns conventional wisdom and rejects the common assumption that every vestige of the past should go.  For instance, he insists the name and colors of the country’s rugby team be kept but transformed to be more inclusive and have meaning not just for a select few.  To accomplish this, he enlists the support of Francois Pienaar, the Springbok rugby captain.  It is left to Pienaar to win his teammates over. When large culture change has to happen, engage key allies, ignite a spark in them and let the change virally work its way.  Expect resistance and opposition because people are likely to want to stay entrenched in their positions. But, by stirring emotions, you will help others see beyond their fears of change and will engage their hearts and minds.
6. Mandela dons the green and gold uniform of the Springboks on the day of the big game to show his support and solidarity. Symbolic acts are powerful.  Every leader should understand how to convey messages without words.
7. An airplane flies over the stadium to wish the team good luck.  The entire nation is behind them.  A lackluster team a year earlier, they go on to win the world cup.  The key takeaway here is that any team is capable of extraordinary performance if motivated, encouraged and moved to put in the dedication and hard work required to produce remarkable outcomes.  It takes a very special leader to unleash such energy, but we can all learn from what great people do.

Have you seen Invictus?  What did it mean to you?

Fredia Woolf , founder of Woolf Consulting, helps people to manage change and achieve positive results for their careers, teams and organizations.  As an organizational consultant and leadership coach, she works with clients to increase their effectiveness and impact, to manage transitions successfully, and to define and create a leadership legacy. She can be reached at fwoolf@woolfconsulting.com.

#

Last updated on January 30th, 2010 at 07:43 am