Today’s post also honors Nelson Mandela, who died last month, as you know.  Perhaps coincidentally, the recent highly acclaimed film Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom is now, as they say “in theaters everywhere.”  I saw it recently, and like this film reviewer, I now want to read the book.

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

And now perhaps you’re wondering how I’m going to tie these two themes together.  Easy: by referring you to this post from Leading Blog about Mandela, and more specifically about leadership lessons from Mandela’s life.  I can think of no better resolutions/goals for 2014 than these:

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.

Thank you for these lessons, Madiba!