Leadership & work

“A leader is like a shepherd. He stays behind the flock, letting the most nimble go out ahead, whereupon the others follow, not realizing that all along they are being directed from behind.”

– Nelson Mandela, Long Walk to Freedom (1994)

What does it mean?

A good leader doesn't always stand at the front. Sometimes they let the most able people go first and guide the whole group quietly from behind.

Key vocabulary

flock
a group of sheep
nimble
quick and able to move easily
whereupon
and after that

Who said it?

Nelson Mandela: South African president and anti-apartheid leader (1918–2013). Source: Long Walk to Freedom (1994).

More quotes by Nelson Mandela

All 5