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Images: Getty / BBC

Introduction

Nelson Mandela spent 27 years in prison and went on to become the first black President of South Africa. He gained respect and admiration from people around the world and, crucially, his own people.

A leader can't please everybody all of the time, but there are ways of keeping the trust of the followers, says Linda Te Aho. She leads a large Maori tribe.

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TRANSCRIPT 

Linda Te Aho

Nelson Mandela, because of the magnanimous way in which he forgave, you know, people who did so much wrong against him and then he came out in a really elegant and respectful way, but still strong. And I think that's why he has attracted that global recognition of his quiet leadership style, but which still showed strength and resilience.

To be leader that gains respect, you have to be able to demonstrate that you are committed, that you're a hard worker.

I think they should not underestimate the strength and wisdom that are all around us. And our... and our elders, you know, have got so much experience and wisdom, just by having lived on this earth, you know for so long. 

Knowing that you can't please everybody all of the time, but just doing the best that you can anyway. 

I think it's really important for any leader to get feedback: to go through some kind of an evaluation or assessment process, you know, fairly early on into their term to get some professional feedback on how they're going.