Invictus!

I just finished watching a great movie, Invictus (means unconquerable). This movie is based on John Carlin’s book Playing the Enemy: Nelson Mandela and the Game That Changed a Nation and is directed by Clint Eastwood. Morgan Freeman acts awesomely well as Nelson Mandela. A number of conversations by Nelson Mandela (one of my heroes) are still echoing in my mind. It leaves my mind with lots of learning.

Heart to Heart with the Master

Times change, we need to change as well.

Forgiveness liberates the soul. 

It removes fear. 

That is why it is such a powerful weapon. 

I thank whatever gods may be,

For my unconquerable soul.

It matters not how strait the gate,

How charged with punishment the scroll.

I am the master of my fate,

I am the captain of my soul. 

Nelson Mandela: How do you inspire your team to do their best? 

Francois Pienaar: By example. I've always thought to lead by example, sir.
Nelson Mandela: Well, that is right. That is exactly right. But how do we get them to be better then they think they CAN be? That is very difficult, I find. Inspiration, perhaps. How do we inspire ourselves to greatness when nothing less will do? How do we inspire everyone around us? I sometimes think it is by using the work of others. 

Here is the list of my learning from this great work:

§ In life (personal & professional), appreciate people. It brings out the best from them.

§ Be genuinely interested in people and find something which they cherish and just follow it.

§ Operate out of purpose and values and not out of ego.

§ Be calm & cool. Be humble.

§ Communicate with people (not just to people) and clarify things.

§ Do your ground work before every moment of truth.

§ Lead by example. As leader lives under a microscope and your example will inspire millions.

 It’s a must watch movie for everybody who loves dreams and aspires to be great. It teaches me humanity and some other finer aspects of leadership. It definitely helps to Learn, Endure, Aspire & Dare. I recommend it to you.