Mandela outlines his rules for leadership

In an interview in Time magazine, Nelson Mandela outlined his rules for leadership.

Known as "Mandiba's Rules" - "Mandiba" is what those close to Mandela call him - many stem from the his historical and extraordinary experiences. They are as follows:

Courage is not the absence of fear — it is inspiring others to move beyond it.

Mandela has often said he was terrified while living underground during the trial that led to his imprisonment.

Lead from the front — but don't leave your base behind.

While Mandela always held fast to his principals, he was also a strong believer in tactics.

Lead from the back — and let others believe they are in front.

Reminiscing about his childhood raising cattle, Mandela pointed out that you can only lead them from behind - the analogy is simple. Persuading people to do things by making them believe it was their own idea has been a tactic used by Mandela throughout his career.

Know your enemy — and learn about his favourite sport.

Seeing your opposition’s point of view is one of the most effective ways of tackling it, Mandela has said.

Keep your friends close — and your rivals even closer.

Mandela has said he believes embracing his rivals was a way of controlling them.

Appearances matter — and remember to smile.

Mandela knew how his physical appearance and personal presentation could help him push his cause as much as substance could.

Nothing is black or white.

Mandela is a strong endorser of the theory that life is never a case of either/or.

Quitting is leading too.

Knowing how and when to abandon a failed task, idea or relationship is sometimes just as difficult and admirable as carrying on.

Source: Time