Great leaders honour laws, respect laid down structures

I spent the last almost two weeks away speaking at a conference in the Philippines and on a visit to Thailand – a most welcome break from the highly toxic politics that has dominated the nation in the same period. On several occasions, I could not help but feel envious – perhaps even jealous – of a people determined and doggedly focused on growing their nations. The evidence is there for all to see: the magnificent infrastructure, the visibly bustling economy, and the growing industries. Yet, for all practical purposes, most Asian nations comprise of people just like us – struggling with realities of poverty and serious inequities. Some of the poorest people of the world are hosted in Asia, though some of the richest are also of the same extract. So why are we being left behind?

It is the great leadership guru, John Maxwell who made that oft quoted line: Everything rises and falls on leadership. In so saying, Maxwell underlined the significance of leadership in initiating and sustaining success in any enterprise. When families crumble, organisations fail, or nations crash, it is almost certain there is either a vacuum or poor leadership at the top. Likewise, when you see a successful and cohesive family, a high impact organisation, or a developed nation; in all certainty, there is astute leadership at the top.