Having been imprisoned and separated from his wife and children for 27 years, Nelson Mandela was very opposed to the system and angry at his oppressors. He had left prison as a “measure, considered, strong, and compressed” man who not only understood himself but also understood the people around him. Therefore he never publicly showed a face of bitterness or sadness, but rather displayed a face of forgiveness and reconciliation. This was a part of Mandela’s sixth lesson of leadership: Appearances matter – and remember to smile. As the article in the Time magazine mentioned, Mandela “knew that symbols mattered as much as substance.” He understood that his smile and optimistic appearance would symbolize his sympathy to the South African people and send a triumphant message to them. Being able to conceal his own bitterness and compensating for his weaknesses is what really made Mandela stand out as a leader.
This lesson is applicable in my own life, because I also believe that the way one presents himself/herself really leaves an impression on others. Being able to keep your head up even in the most challenging times will motivate the people who respect and look up to you. Being able to smile even in the worst of situations isn’t an easy thing to do, but the image of yourself that is displayed will serve as a model for those who follow you, and is one of the many reasons why Nelson Mandela was a great leader.