There are both leaders and followers in this world, no matter which one you are, it is undeniable that without leaders society would fall apart. Leadership as defined in the dictionary is “a person who leads or directs a group”, although accurate this simple phrase does not do justice to the importance of leadership. People need to be led and have someone to look up to, and whether you are born with leadership or acquire it the way you use it is the most critical thing. There are and have been many impressive leaders in this world, but one who stands out is Nelson Mandela. Born into the Madiba tribe of South Africa, a name he would later adopt as his own, he is known for his philanthropy, strong political influence and for being a revolutionary in anti-apartheid South Africa. He is a shining example of ideal leadership not only because of the impact he had, but also because of the completely different way he handled things for his time. He championed the compassion, forgiveness and determination that made him South Africa's first black president, serving from 1994 to 1999. His death last December brought grief but also a celebration of the wonderful, influential life whose he enjoyed it. This union of people demonstrated how many lives he touched and the vibrant presence he brought wherever he went, which is why he will forever be known as one of the best leaders, one who truly defines leadership in the most sincere way. Madiba embodies many and almost all the characteristics needed to be a successful leader as well as bringing some unconventional ways. One characteristic he displayed was courage, in fact one of his most famous quotes talks about it “I have learned that courage is not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The b......middle of paper ......required for his knowledge and expertise especially in the field of equality and rights. As far as identity influence goes, Madiba was a highly respected man. People thought they could trust him, because he believed in morally sound things and stood for what would improve the general public. This gave people comfort in trusting or looking up to him. In summary, a truly spectacular person was lost this December, and at the same time the entire world mourned the loss of an international leader. Nelson Mandela will continue to be remembered as a soft-spoken, assertive and fair man who embodied leadership characteristics such as courage, understanding and communication. All of which he used when he governed with a mixed management style that tended strongly towards the strategic side because people admired him for his expert and identifying influence which he had.