One of the challenges that we face today is in our attempt to 'fix' one problem (for example, disparity between people) that we don't end up creating a new set of problems. And one such problem today is, in my opinion, that we have given birth to a generation who rather than take responsibility for themselves to correct the things that need correcting, they have resorted to 'blaming' - it's everyone else's fault - they're to blame! Unfortunately, whenever we do that, we end up with a 'victim mentality' - a feeling of 'powerlessness' that, in turn, results in feelings of anger, bitterness and/or resentment!

In previous articles, I've been emphasizing that simply knowing that we all, in some way whether big or small, make a difference in one another's lives is very empowering! This 7th condition that is known to make a difference in people's lives - Leadership and Responsibility - is probably one of the more important conditions!

Michael Korda, Editor-in-Chief, Simon & Schuster is reported to have said,
"Success on any major scale requires you to accept responsibility . . . . In the final analysis, the one quality that all successful people have is the ability to take on responsibility."

Winston Churchill: "The price of greatness is responsibility."

Jim Rohn: "You must take personal responsibility. You cannot change the circumstances, the seasons, or the wind, but you can change yourself."

George Washington Carver: "Ninety-nine percent of all failures come from people who have a habit of making excuses."

Wayne Dyer: "All blame is a waste of time. No matter how much fault you find with another, and regardless of how much you blame him, it will not change you."

How often have you heard someone say, 'Since I'm not in a leadership role, (meaning in some formal 'position' of leadership) then I'm not a leader'. But is that true? 'Leadership' for many has often been understood only in reference to a 'position'. But that is a 'narrow' way of interpreting leadership. Leadership in recent years has come to be understood in a much broader way, as the ability that each person has to 'influence'! For example, observe how children so naturally demonstrate this as they play - from bullying - to being moderately pushy - to being gently persuasive - to just wanting to be a participant and involved! Watching children function so naturally makes us realize how every person has been created with immense inner strength that will both shape their own lives as well as influence others! In the words of John Buchan, "The task of leadership is not to put greatness into people, but to elicit it, for the greatness is there already." It waits to be 'fostered'!

So what does it take to foster that kind of responsible leadership?

It begins at an early age where we begin to teach our children both the importance of, and the 'how to's' of making good, responsible choices & decisions! But children need also the experience of being held accountable for their choices & decisions! Removing 'accountability' from 'decision-making' is courting with disaster! Both are absolutely necessary if we are to foster or cultivate a culture in which responsible adults are the norm rather than the exception! The choice of accepting our role of being leaders within society is, itself, empowering. Stepping up to the plate and begin making responsible, healthy, & often difficult decisions & choices is both adventuresome & challenging. It will often give us a sense of pride in the accomplishments that we see has resulted from our decisions. Our confidence increases, giving us the boldness to express our ideas & thoughts on various issues. But it will also give us the strength and willingness to accept the consequences of our actions. In other words, it cultivates accountability.

Ralph Nadar said: "The function of leadership is to produce more leaders, not more followers."

Bill Gates said, "As we look ahead into the next century, leaders will be those who empower others."

Harvey S. Firestone said, "The growth and development of people is the highest calling of leadership."

Fostering responsible leadership is a life-long task! But we all can become a part of the process!

By asking ourselves the following questions it can help us think about the ways in which we support the condition of leadership and responsibility in our areas of involvement: How often do we invite others to take on leadership roles? It's important that we provide people with the chance to take on leadership roles and make meaningful decisions. (I'm sure we have all said at one time or another: "It's easier to do it myself than to get others involved!") What specific opportunities do we provide that require decisions to be made that will have an impact on the ways things get done? (Maybe I don't like change, and I'm unwilling to provide such opportunities for those decisions to be made!) How do we celebrate those who we see are already functioning as leaders, whether in formal positions of leadership or not? Do we support them or criticize them?

Fostering responsible leadership takes a little courage and a lot of belief in those around you. Providing each other with meaningful leadership opportunities and supporting them through the process of completing those initiatives means taking a chance. The potential payoffs, however, are priceless. A community filled with responsible leaders is a community that is alive!

Jesus was a master of developing responsible leadership. He instilled in those 12 disciples the vision that growth & development of people is the highest calling of leadership. Where does it all begin? By having a meaningful relationship with the Creator and Author of life! Through that relationship, He empowers us to truly make a difference in the world we live!