Stolen from Robin Sharma’s blog, who stole them from TIME magazine for his blog. Really, really interesting and a great insight in to the man as we celebrate his 90th birthday.
1. Courage is not the absence of fear – it’s inspiring others to move beyond it
2. Lead from the front but don’t leave your base behind
3. Lead from the back and let others believe they are in front
4. Know your enemy and learn about his favorite sport
5. Keep your friends close – and your rivals even closer
6. Appearances matter – and remember to smile
7. Nothing is black or white
8. Quitting is leading too
Filed under: politics. | 3 Comments
Thanks for this, I’d not seen it before.
As I said on your other posting, I have been wondering why there are not more ‘Nelson Mandelas’? It would be so good for the world if he wasn’t so rare . . . . . .
The 8 Lessons will help, but they won’t be enough on their own will they?
Url: http://catchthevision.wordpress.com
Graham – glad you enjoyed it! I also wonder why there aren’t more Nelson Mandela’s. I am going to simply suggest that many of the talented individuals who could partake in public life shy away simply because those who follow it (media, partisan supporters, etc…) are so ruthless. Very few people want real dialogue as they prefer the sound of their own voice – this leads to a lot of quick, harsh, and sometimes unwarranted criticism of public officials. Furthermore, in countries such as England (in your case it seems… apologies if you are based in N. Ireland, Scotland, or Wales) and Canada (my country), we are privileged and although we may see faults in our system, there is not enough of an impetus to drive talent to public life.
Hope you find these thoughts interesting… I also enjoy your blog!
Thanks Reynold (hoping I’ve got your name right!)
I’m finding that by asking simple, open questions of people through the blogosphere, I get back so much wisdom – of which yours is an excellent example.
I agree that our media is very intrusive and destructive, and many ‘ordinary’ and good people wouldn’t want to open themselves and their families to that sort of scrutiny. Some may take this on, out of courage and commitment, but it seems likely that others will choose to go down that route, either out of a peculiar naivety or because of some rather strong personal need. These characteristics don’t necessary produce good leaders.
I guess that for Nelson Mandela, he must find that almost everywhere he goes he is able to enjoy the wave of huge respect which comes his way. Not so for other politicians.
Someone said recently that the preservation of anonymity could well be the ultimate ‘must have’ for celebrities . . . . .
Thanks again for your comments on the topic as well as for your encouragement.