Use Your Difference to Make a Difference

22What Nelson Mandela Taught Us about Seeing the Bigger Picture

The late great Nelson Mandela, my hero, died on December 5, 2013 at the age of 95. One of the remarkable things about him was that by the time he emerged from prison at the age of 71, he had spent 38% of his life in jail. Twenty-seven years! But it was what he did with the remaining 24 years of his life that would change the world forever. He used the remaining 24 years of his life to teach the world how to see the bigger picture.

Affectionately known as Madiba, which means father, he certainly served as a father figure for many across the globe. I have spent countless hours studying his leadership style, and his ability to see the bigger picture was, in my opinion, his greatest strength as a global leader. It is what made him a great communicator. Here are some examples of Mandela's understanding the bigger picture.

Mandela Found Freedom in Forgiveness

For many people, being imprisoned for 27 years would plant seeds of bitterness and vengeance, but Nelson Mandela chose to see the bigger picture upon his release. Here's what he said after being released:

As I walked out the door toward the gate that would lead to my freedom, I knew if I didn't leave my bitterness and hatred behind, I'd still be in prison.

—Nelson Mandela

He showed the world what true forgiveness was like by fully forgiving his opponents, even though he was now in a position of power over them. In the four years from when he left prison in 1990 ...