Are you a provocateur?

  Nelson Mandela was a true provocateur of South Africa and showed copious amounts of courage and resilience.  He was born in Transkei, South Africa on July 18, 1918.  Mandela was actively involved in the anti-apartheid movement and directed his followers to campaign a peaceful, non-violent defiance against the racist South African government, for 20 years.  He became actively involved in the African National Congress in 1942 and was inaugurated as the country’s first black president.  Mandela served as President of South Africa from 1994 to 1999.  However, before this tremendous accomplishment in his life he went through many trials and tribulations but never buckled under pressure.  In 1962 he was convicted of sabotage and conspiracy to overthrow the government and was sentenced to life imprisonment at Robben Island.  However with perseverance and determination an international campaign lobbied for his release and he was granted release 27 years later.  His courage and innovative thinking dismantled apartheid.  As president, he established mulit-racial elections and created a new constitution.  He continued to combat poverty and expand healthcare.  His resilience and unwavering courage led millions to fight for the end of racism in South Africa.

            I can improve on being a provocateur by developing my people skills.  I have to learn how to share innovative ideas without seeming arrogant or all-knowing.  Also, I often become flustered dealing with uncertainty.  Sometimes uncertainty makes me rethink presenting new ideas and diminishes my courage.  However, with resilience and courage I can become a provocateur.