Leadership is not defined by volume, authority or position. It is about how we influence, support and bring people together. Nelson Mandela is a powerful example of this approach. His leadership demonstrated transformational, servant and inclusive qualities, particularly through his ability to unite people across profound differences. His legacy shows that bringing people together does not require making everyone the same; it requires creating a shared path forward while respecting individual differences.
There is no single definition of leadership. It can be transformational, servant, democratic or authentic. Effective leadership depends on understanding people, recognising the situation and, most importantly, understanding yourself. Leadership is therefore not simply about how we lead others, but about who we are while doing so.
The author’s understanding of leadership began long before having a formal title. Growing up in an orphanage taught them to question accepted ways of doing things and to recognise when something did not feel right. Their leadership style was never about being the loudest voice. Instead, it involved observing, listening and speaking up when necessary.
A formative childhood experience involved a blind woman who regularly visited the orphanage to encourage the children. When some children treated her disrespectfully by pretending to participate and quietly walking away, the author challenged their behaviour. They encouraged the children to listen and recognise that someone’s disability or circumstances should never diminish their dignity. This experience demonstrated that leadership can begin with the courage to stand up for what is right, even without authority or recognition. Sometimes, leadership is felt long before it is formally acknowledged.
At its heart, the author believes leadership is “love in action.” This does not mean avoiding difficult conversations. Instead, it means combining kindness, respect, patience and compassion with the courage to be firm when necessary. Good leaders correct people without humiliating them, provide support, treat others as equals and care about their wellbeing and development.
Authenticity is equally important. Leaders should not attempt to become copies of people they admire. Instead, they should develop a leadership style that reflects who they genuinely are. Authentic leaders also create environments where others feel safe to express themselves, develop their talents and become confident in their own identities.
Leadership also requires knowing when to step aside. Delegation is an expression of trust: it allows others to use their strengths, develop confidence and discover capabilities they may not have recognised. A leader’s success should not depend on being the person who receives all the recognition. When people supported by a leader grow and succeed, their achievements demonstrate the positive impact of that leadership.
Ultimately, leadership is about bringing people with you. Sometimes that means leading from the front, sometimes from behind, and sometimes standing beside someone and simply saying, “I believe in you.”
The greatest measure of leadership is therefore not how high someone climbs, but how many people they help rise with them. Leadership is not power over people; it is influence through people. It is standing with others, creating opportunities and helping them shine.
Leadership does not have to be loud. Sometimes the quietest leadership leaves the loudest legacy.
Liability Broker – Shackleton Risk Management
Class of 2026 – Insurance Institute of Gauteng
