This document is an essay on inclusive leadership written by Oliver Smith. It discusses the key attributes of an inclusive leader, including intelligence, determination, integrity, sociability, and self-confidence. Nelson Mandela is presented as an exemplary inclusive leader. The essay also reflects on how Smith can develop his own leadership skills to be more inclusive, such as improving his persistence, drive, and self-confidence. It concludes that being an inclusive leader is important for connecting with diverse groups of people.

1. Oliver Smith
C3290685
Leadership Essay
Introduction
In this essay will be research and discussion around the topic of inclusive leadership. Firstly
will be an analysis of what key attributes are needed to be an inclusive leader, with
examples from sporting and non – sporting leaders. Next will be a discussion on how I can
lead in a more inclusive way by using key points that have emerged from part one. Finally
will be a conclusion that will sum up my findings and results.
Attributes of an Inclusive Leader
Inclusive Leadership is socially responsible leadership, inclusive of many diverse people
united by the search to define and act on good common goals. (Nemerowicz & Rosi, 1997)
An inclusive leader has to be able to adapt to many different individuals background life and
still connect with them and be able to influence them. This involves breaking down
“barriers” such as age, gender, race and ethnicity. This allows participants to focus on their
common goal, rather than what makes them different from each other.
(Northouse, 2010) talks about there being 5 key traits to make an Inclusive leader. These
are:
Intelligence
Determination
Integrity
Sociability
Self- Confidence
Intelligence is an essential trait to inclusive leaders as intelligence contributes to decision
making, problem solving and social understanding. Although saying that there shouldn’t be
too much of a gap of intelligence between the leader and the group else it could have a
counterproductive impact on the leadership.
Determination consists of initiative, persistence and drive. Meaning that the leader will be
more proactive, more perseverance will be shown when overcoming an obstacle and allows
for dominance when the followers need to be directed.
Integrity involves being trustworthy and honest. Integral leaders have been known to inspire
confidence within others. They are loyal and dependable which reassures the group and
makes them able to rely and be open with the leader.
Sociability skills are very key for an inclusive leader as it shows they are friendly, outgoing
and sensitive. This allows for the leader to develop good and stable relationships with their
group.

2. Oliver Smith
C3290685
Self-Confidence allows for assurance when making decisions. Leadership involves
influencing others, self confidence assures the leader that they are doing the correct task or
activity, to best further the experiences of their group.
Inclusive Leader
There is a well known leader that are going to be discussed, Nelson Mandela. Nelson
Mandela is the most known inclusive leader ever. During the apartheid the white South
Africans were dominant and had all power and wealth. Mandela made many sacrifices
whilst fighting for rights for the black South African’s. He left his family and lived from place
to place, running from the authorities. Mandela was arrested in 1962 and his freedom
movement idea became known worldwide. Mandela Was released from prison in 1990.
Later that year black Africans were allowed to vote and Mandela was voted as president of
South Africa. He had many plans for equality, but white South Africans believed that he was
going to turn the tides the other way and give “blacks” all the authority. Although this was
available to Mandela he knew equality was the solution. He managed to join the “blacks”
and “whites” of South Africa to make them a Nation by using a major sporting event, the
Rugby World Cup 1995 in South Africa by working alongside then South African Captain
Francois Pienaar, a white South African. (Magoon, 2008)
Future Leadership
The best way to improve my inclusive leadership style and skills is to develop myself in the 5
characteristics that were discussed earlier by (Northouse, 2010). I believe that my
intelligence is developed enough to effectively influence a group. I have experience in many
different sporting situations, giving me the advantage of being able to understand what the
group could be going through. Although I could use more of a democratic leadership style to
make less important decisions, so that participants will feel more involved and a part of the
session, rather than just listening to my orders. This also gives them a chance to be creative
and think for themselves.
My determination could be vastly improved. I do have the initiative to be able to be
proactive, but I believe that my persistence and drive need to improve. At the moment
because I don’t have the require persistence and drive, I am able to overcome every
obstacles and situation that is thrown at me. This means that the group that I am leading
aren’t able to experience every situation properly. Also a low level of drive can cause
participants to have a delayed response when receiving orders, making the leader less in
control and authoritive. To improve my drive and persistence I am going to try to relate my
leadership to a personal aspect to bring more passion out of me, so that I am more
concerned about the success of the session. (Daft & Lane, 2005)
My integral skills are very good. I am a very honest person with trustworthy traits, allowing
people to have confidence in me, that I will get the best out of everyone. I have a good

3. Oliver Smith
C3290685
relationship with a high percentage of the group. I could improve to develop these
relationships and make new relationships with members of the group that I have a weak
relationship with. I can do this by simply making conversation and making them feel
comfortable in my company. This also links into my social skills, which I believe are of a high
standard. I have many strong relationships with my group and I feel that I can approach all
of them about any situation.
My self confidence is of a reasonable level, but I am always conscious to whether I have
missed out a piece of key information when explaining a task or making a decision. This
leaves a sense of doubt that can be detected by the group. To improve this I believe I need
to do more research into the field I will be operating in and to stick by my decision once that
I have made it. (Laker,2002)
To become more inclusive I am going to take knowledge from Nelson Mandela and follow
him and do what is best for everyone or the group and not just myself. Making my sessions
more applicable and enjoyable.
Conclusion
In conclusion I believe being an Inclusive leader is very important as it allows you to connect
to many different people from various walks of life and to influence them on many different
levels, such as personally, socially and intellectually.
Bibliography
Magoon, K. (2008). Nelson Mandela: A Leader for Freedom. ABDO Publishing
Company, Minnesota, USA.
Northouse, P, G. (2010). Leadership: Theory and Practice, Fifth Edition. Sage
Publication Inc, California, USA.
Nemerowicz, G, M. & Rosi, E. (1997). Education for leadership and social
responsibility. Falmer Press, London, UK.
Laker, A. (2002). The sociology of sport and physical education: an introductory
reader. Routledge & Falmer, London, UK.
Daft, R, L. & Lane, P, G. (2005). The Leadership Experience, Fourth Edition. Thomson
South-Western, USA.

4. Oliver Smith
C3290685