Blog

  • A personal tale of reframing

    When I wrote last time that we would begin to look at some tales of reframing from a variety of sources, I was not intending to begin with one of my own.  However, in response to the people who asked if I have used reframing in my own life, I propose to write a series of entries that recount an episode

    Read more
    John Sadowsky Leadership & Storytelling
  • The power of reframing

    In recent posts, we have seen how Nelson Mandela reframed the whole experience of incarceration, and how his simple change of mindset engendered a fundamental transformation in his attitude and behavior. These two concepts—reframing and transformation—have been cornerstone elements of my work since the days of my doctoral studies in the 1990s. In this entry, I begin to explain some of the ways I have used the idea

    Read more
    John Sadowsky Leadership & Storytelling
  • The importance of slowing down to reflect

    Over the past few posts, we have seen that Nelson Mandela’s quiet reflection in his prison cell led to a radical transformation of his entire way of thinking. We have also observed that it was Mr Mandela’s unique approach to incarceration that allowed him to redefine the entire experience of being a prisoner. When I ponder the quiet resolve of this exceptional man, and the

    Read more
    John Sadowsky Leadership & Storytelling
  • Experience versus reflection on experience

    In a number of recent entries, we have noted that Nelson Mandela’s most consequential personal experience, the event that changed him in deep and fundamental ways, was his 27 year incarceration. As both Mandela and his biographer concur, prison was his great teacher. At the same time, we should not lose sight of an essential truth, one that has long been fundamental

    Read more
    John Sadowsky Leadership & Storytelling
  • Mandela’s unusual approach to incarceration

    Last time, we observed that among the most critical roles Nelson Mandela played during his presidency was that of a teacher. If he was indeed able to effect profound change in post-apartheid South Africa, it was largely due to his skill at explaining to others the advantages of following a new path. Therefore, it would make sense for us to turn

    Read more
    John Sadowsky Leadership & Storytelling
  • The making of Nelson Mandela as an outstanding communicator and teacher

    In my experience as a student and teacher of leadership, I have found Nelson Mandela to be a rare phenomenon—a former head of state who seems to enjoy nearly unanimous approval and admiration throughout the world. Moreover, historians and political pundits often cite him as one of the most effective statesmen in modern times. As such, when I began my tenure as

    Read more
    John Sadowsky Leadership & Storytelling