Nelson Mandela said it best:

"As a leader, I have always endeavored to listen to what each and every person in a discussion had to say before venturing my own opinion. Oftentimes, my opinion will simply represent a consensus of what I have heard in the discussion. I always remember the axiom: a leader is like a shepherd. He stays behind the flock, letting the most nimble go ahead, whereupon the others follow, not realizing that all along they are being directed from behind."

We can learn much from his eight lessons on leadership and must admire his personal abilities to move beyond the personal sacrifices of the past in order to reach new heights.

Courage is not the absence of fear- it's inspiring others to move beyond.
Lead from the front-but don't leave your base behind.
Lead from the back-and let others believe they are in front.
Know your enemy and learn about his favorite sport.
Keep your friends close and your rivals closer.
Appearances matter-and remember to smile.
Nothing is black and white.
Quitting is leading too.