Mandela's musings on peace and leadership

Today we celebrate the birth of Nelson Mandela and mourn the deaths of the passengers on board Malaysia Airlines Flight 17.  Two hundred and ninety eight people perished after the plane was shot down over the Donetsk region in eastern Ukraine – the same region that produced master composer, Sergei Prokofiev, known to classic music lovers for major works such as the ballet, Romeo and Juliet.  While so much carnage leaves us numb and others searching for revenge or answers, it may be time to also reflect on the wise words of cooler heads such as the late Nelson Mandela:

Peace is not just the absence of conflict; peace is the creation of an environment where all can flourish regardless of race, color, creed, religion, gender, class, caste or any other social markers of difference.

More broadly, Mandela also gave his views on leadership to his biographer (former Time managing editor, Richard Stengel) in a 2008 interview:

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 closer

6.       Appearances matter-and remember to smile

7.       Nothing is black or white

8.       Quitting is leading too