6/23/03 There are some who might contest the truth expressed in the title of this blog, i.e. that everything rises and falls on leadership. They might contest that leadership is but one of the components of success and that other factors contribute to the rise or fall of any endeavor. And there is some truth in such an observation. However, all other factors can be overcome/enhanced through good leadership, or be allowed to scapegoat poor leadership. That is the core of much of what we see happen around us: Leaders who whine about inadequate resources, inept followers, and the unfairness of their circumstances. Unfortunately, true leadership is rare. Leaders whose passion and willingness to "stand in the gap" are the great need of our nation, our communities and our churches. Although this theme "Everything rises and falls on leadership" first came to my attention through the work of John Maxwell, I have tested its validity in a myriad of situations and can definitely attest that even when it seems as if there are reasonable excuses for failure, leadership is the culprit, just as consistent success is the evidence of good leadership.

Are you succeeding or failing? Have you taken leadership of your own life, or are you waiting on something to happen so that you do not have to expend the effort?