“There are times when a leader must move out ahead of the flock, go off in a new direction, confident that he is leading his people the right way.”
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
“There are times when a leader must move out ahead of the flock, go off in a new direction, confident that he is leading his people the right way.”
Explanation
In this quote, Nelson Mandela speaks to the courage and vision required of a leader, particularly when faced with difficult or uncertain circumstances. The image of moving “out ahead of the flock” conveys the idea that a leader must sometimes step into the unknown or take bold actions that others might be hesitant to follow, but which are necessary for the greater good. This is a powerful statement about the responsibility a leader has to make tough decisions, even when they might be unpopular or misunderstood at first. The leader’s confidence, as Mandela notes, comes from the belief that the end goal—the freedom, justice, and prosperity of the people—is worth the risk of forging a new path.
Mandela’s leadership during the anti-apartheid struggle exemplified this principle. He was often willing to take actions that challenged conventional thinking or were seen as risky. For instance, when he and his colleagues at the African National Congress (ANC) were frustrated by the failure of nonviolent protests to end apartheid, Mandela embraced armed resistance, despite the moral and practical risks involved. He was also willing to engage in negotiations with the apartheid government, even when many of his comrades were skeptical. His decision to lead the negotiations that led to the dismantling of apartheid, even when it required moving away from the ANC’s earlier position, shows the kind of bold leadership he describes—leading by example into uncharted territory.
In a contemporary context, this quote is relevant for leaders who face the difficult task of reform or change in societies where entrenched systems of power or longstanding traditions may oppose new directions. Whether in politics, business, or social movements, sometimes leaders must take unpopular steps in order to break through stagnation and usher in progress. Mandela’s leadership style is a reminder that true leadership often involves making difficult decisions that require foresight, strength, and a clear moral compass.
