“It is wise to persuade people to do things and make them think it was their own idea.”
Image credits: John Mathew Smith 2001,”From Wash D.C. Longworth building October 4, 1994. Mandela’s first trip to the United States.”,CC BY-SA 2.0,Nelson Mandela 1994 – Nelson Mandela – Wikipedia
- July 18, 1918 – December 5, 2013
- Born in South Africa
- Politician, lawyer
- The first black president of South Africa, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for abolishing apartheid and building a democratic South Africa where multiple ethnic groups coexist.
Quote
“It is wise to persuade people to do things and make them think it was their own idea.”
Explanation
This quote speaks to the art of influence and persuasion, emphasizing a subtle approach to leadership and decision-making. The idea here is that people are more likely to act on an idea if they believe it is their own, rather than if they are told what to do. By guiding others toward a particular conclusion without forcing it upon them, a leader can create a sense of empowerment and ownership, which often leads to more willing participation and commitment. This method is sometimes referred to as “leading by suggestion” and is often seen as an effective technique in both personal and professional environments.
Historically, this quote aligns with Nelson Mandela’s leadership style, which emphasized the importance of collaboration and consensus. During his presidency, Mandela focused on reconciliation and the importance of getting all South Africans, regardless of their background, to support the new democratic South Africa. Rather than imposing top-down decisions, he worked to involve others in the process, creating a sense of shared responsibility and collective effort. This approach helped to avoid feelings of resentment and fostered unity in a country that had been deeply divided by apartheid.
In modern contexts, this strategy is widely applied in management, negotiations, and conflict resolution. By making people feel that they have arrived at a decision themselves, leaders can build stronger teams and better relationships. It also contributes to empowering individuals, allowing them to feel more engaged and motivated in both personal and organizational goals. This approach can be seen in successful leadership in business, politics, and even in everyday interpersonal interactions, where the goal is to foster cooperation and shared understanding.
