As we embark on Black History Month 2014 I want to take a moment
to share a letter I wrote to my colleagues on the December 5th, the
day Nelson Mandela passed. Our Lead Learner, Sheena, is South African, and all
of us, especially those who work very closely with her, have felt the influence
of Mandela’s leadership on hers.
From a personal stand point, Nelson Mandela’s story has helped
establish the moral compass that guides my leadership: a moral compass that
includes compassion, courage, respect and responsibility. Leadership is an
ongoing journey; my moral compass guides the way.
As we honor Black History month here in the United States we
should remember Mandela’s Long Walk to Freedom. Our country is still walking
toward a more just and equitable existence. It is our responsibility to
courageously and respectfully continue on this journey.
Dear All,
For many reasons I think it is important as a Lower School adult
community, to take a moment to reflect and mourn the death of Nelson Mandela,
and to appreciate the lessons, values and leadership qualities that Mandela has
shared with the world.
There are absolutely no words that I can share that have not
been recorded, reflected upon, or published on the impact that Nelson Mandela
has had in regards to acceptance, humility, reconciliation, hope for equality
and peace in the world. He has been by far the most influential world figure in
the lifetime of many of us. Mandela is a global hero; however, we all know the
impact he has had on his people, the people of South Africa, and we cannot
diminish that direct impact, pride, and gratitude of South Africans.
Most folks will concentrate of his world legacy and his ability
to transform a worldview, which of course, is what we all want and need in our
interconnected global society. But many of us directly, and all of us
indirectly have experienced his spirit, sense of hope, humility, and
inspiration as a leader through Sheena and her model of sincere, humble,
compassionate leadership. We all know that Sheena would say, this is not about
me; this is about celebrating an extraordinary leader.
But Sheena, I want you to know, and it is my belief that I speak
for a few others, that I have been able to more deeply appreciate, understand
and connect to Nelson Mandela’s lessons, through your stories, your examples,
and your modeling of his leadership traits. The most influential lessons that I
have learned through your leadership, and ones that I believe are emulated
directly from Nelson Mandela as a leader are: we are never to give up on “our
people,” that there is good inside of every human being, and that each of our
students should be cherished and supported to reach their full potential, and
that we, as adults, should also never give up on our own hopes and dreams as
individuals.
Sincerely,
Margo
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