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Mastering the Context
Leaders have a significant role in creating the state of mind that
is the society. They can serve as symbols of the moral unity of the
society. They can express the values that hold the society together.
Most important, they can conceive and articulate goals that lift
people out of their petty preoccupations, carry them above the
conflicts that tear a society apart, and unite them in pursuit of
objectives worthy of their best efforts.
—John W. Gardner
No Easy VictoriesIn November 1987, Timeasked in a cover story, “Who’s in
Charge?” and answered its own question, saying, “The nation
calls for leadership, and there is no one home.” A recent
Google search on “lack of leadership” produced more than
53.3 million hits (up from 27,000 five years ago), many laments
on the dearth of leaders in world organizations, nations, states,
religious organizations, corporations, nonprofit organizations,
professions, education, health care, sports, and virtually every
other human endeavor.