What is Your Philosophy on Leadership?

Perhaps one of my most powerful coaching tools is to use readily available examples of greatness achieved through simple, lasting ways to inspire excellence.

In this scene from the movie Invictus President of South Africa Nelson (Madiba) Mandela inspires the humbled young Springbok captain, Francois Pienaar to lead his team to victory over the New Zealand All Blacks in the Rugby World Cup final of 1995.

 

 

I Am the Captain of My Soul

Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds and shall find me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate,
I am the captain of my soul.

“Invictus” by William Ernest Henley

1849–1903