Transformative Leadership of Martin Luther King and Nelson Mandela: Inspiring Change Through Nonviolence and Empathy

Abstract

Martin Luther King and Nelson Mandela are the two leaders that I believe expressed great abilities in their leading styles, which make their influence and contributions unforgettable many years after their tenure in office. Martin Luther is a successful leader of the African American civil rights movement in the United States of America (Dodge, 2020). During his time, the people of color had little to no say, especially concerning their human rights. Still, Martin Luther proved exceptional as his intelligence enabled him to lead the African Americans nonviolently towards advancing their civil rights. Martin was a potential transformer who used his power to influence his believers on the need for change, arguing that just like the Whites, African Americans also deserved to live a habitable life within American soil. Martin Luther influenced his followers to fight for their civil rights through nonviolent protests. He led by example, where he joined his believers in the long journeys protesting against civil rights denials. He was goal-oriented and motivated his followers to work for a common course. On the other hand, Nelson Mandela remains an influential/iconic figure in the hearts and minds of South Africans among other people across the world (Dodge, 2020). Mandela was a brave leader whose urge to make South Africa habitable cannot be ignored. Mandela's personality featured determination, humility, goodness, peace, and tactical skills, which made him able to disarm his enemies and make South Africa a peaceful nation. He was a positive thinker with a great heart expressed by his high level of forgiveness which enabled him to focus on his set goals and mission. Mandela expressed determined efforts against racism, social injustices, and apartheid rightly radiated far beyond the African continent, which defined him as a global icon. Mandela became successful as he...