A personal tale of reframing
Read moreWhen 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
The power of reframing
Read moreIn 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
The importance of slowing down to reflect
Read moreOver 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
Experience versus reflection on experience
Read moreIn 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
Mandela’s unusual approach to incarceration
Read moreLast 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
The making of Nelson Mandela as an outstanding communicator and teacher
Read moreIn 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