For the past 15 - 20 years we have been on a mission critical adventure - working with and interviewing top leaders in South Africa specifically, but often beyond our borders as well. This eye opening experience culminated in a book - Seamless Leadership: Universal lessons from South Africa.
It captures the miraculous South African leadership heritage that the world admires so much, as demonstrated by its attraction to and even obsession with former President Nelson Mandela.
Our journey happened to take place while a new, democratic South Africa was born and moved from infant stage to turning 21, symbolising it's coming of age. Engaging leaders during this vibrant period of our history – a crucible of note – resulted in the emergence of a leadership attitude, approach that is not academic but practically meant for this and future dynamic periods in the history of the world.
The preface delves into how close this country was to full scale war – as explained by a good source. Seamless Leadership is what saved us, which more than 21 years later remains relevant, even more so, across the globe. In short, when it mattered most, Nelson Mandela and other leaders demonstrated a seamless leadership attitude. This is what our political, corporate, civic, sports, educational and even family environment needs desperately!
The book reveals a big picture that leaders must see in order to contextualise a global trust and leadership deficit. I then state a case that a seamless leadership attitude or mind-set is the solution.
Even attempting to be a ‘servant leader’, or a ‘level five Leader’, or a ‘values driven leader’, or a whatever leader in isolation does not seem to have the leadership potency needed, to counter a societal momentum towards some unknown, unpredictable, challenging yet exceptionally exciting future - only if understood and prepared for it though.
Our challenge in this book to everyone in South Africa and across the globe is to stand up for what is right, to adopt “Seamless Leadership”, or “Mandela Leadership” in some form and help move society to a better place. If not for themselves or their country, do it for their future generations. Be part of the solution rather than the problem; focus on taking ownership and creating effective movement where they stand!
Go to Amazon now to order your copy, or better still, copies for your team - of Seamless Leadership – universal lessons from SA – Also on Exclusive Books/CNA shelves in SA.