LESSONS IN LEADERSHIP APPLYING NELSON MANDELA?S LESSONS IN LEADERSHIP PART 1: NELSON MANDELA?S EIGHT LESSONS OF LEADERSHIP 1. Courage is not the absence of fear ? it's inspiring others to move beyond it Nelson Mandela was often afraid during his time underground, during the Rivonia trial that led to his imprisonment, during his time on Robben Island. "I can't pretend that I'm brave and that I can beat the whole world." But as a leader, you cannot let people know. "You must put up a front." And that's precisely what he learned to do: pretend and, through the act of appearing fearless, inspire others. He knew that he was a model for others, and that gave him the strength to triumph over his own fear. 2. Lead from the front ? but don't leave your base behind