A gale-force wind of arrant self-interest and righteous indifference is blowing through the world. The angels of humanity’s better nature are in hapless disarray – unable, and at times, unwilling to weather the storm. In a “post-truth world” objective fact is irrelevant, disconfirming data is “fake news,” pro-sociality and reciprocity is a weak survival strategy, and nations seek greatness by pitting their own peoples against each other and vilifying “outsiders,” in zero-sum games.
Internationally, regionally, nationally and locally, moral compasses are being rudely recalibrated to new and alarmingly inhumane “true norths.” It appears that the very notion of a universally understood and empathic definition of human advancement has become anathema.
Alarmingly, it has taken mere months and a handful of leaders to make the world collectively regress back to a moral low ground that it had taken many centuries to leave behind. We may have gotten the leaders we deserve, but sadly, they now make us live in worlds we do not desire.
Paradoxically, this singularly bleak backdrop, has an elevating call to a purposeful life at its core. Businesses cannot succeed in communities that fail. As a business leader, your conscience must ask you questions that pierce expediency and vanity and call on your courage to do what is right…always. The foundational conviction of this book is that leadership is a virtuous enterprise.
It delivers authentic consequences through morally uplifting practices and credible actions fashioned in the crucible of strong character. The opportunity to make a difference in the lives of people, is a rare privilege that is often birthed from adversity. Therefore, whenever you can, you must!