As we head into the presidential election here in the US - questions of leadership loom large. What does it take to be a good leader? What does good leadership look like? Who is best suited to lead the country?

As we here in the U.S. debate these questions one of the world's greatest moral leaders turns 90 years old this year. Time Magazine has published an article on Nelson Mandela and his 8 lessons of leadership. Mandela is a great role model for leaders of all kinds. In the article the author says, "Mandela's rules are calibrated to cause the kind of trouble that forces us to ask how we can make the world a better place."

The characteristics he exhibits as a leader have value for us all as we approach our day to day life.

Here are his 8 lessons on leadership. For the full text, see the July 21st issue of Time.

No. 1: Courage is not the absence of fear - it's inspiring others to move beyond it

No. 2: Lead from the front - but don't leave your base behind

No. 3: Lead from the back - and let others believe they are in front

No. 4: Know your enemy - and learn about his favorite sport

No. 5: Keep your friends close - and your rivals even closer

No. 6: Appearances matter - and remember to smile

No. 7: Nothing is black or white

No. 8: Quitting is leading too