Balance is a universal law and when extremes are reached, forces will appear to level the playing field whether those fields are financial systems, governments, societies, or the environment. We are witnessing pervasive imbalances in all corners of society worldwide and are seeing counter balancing forces at work.
This is a time of opportunity.
What is needed is leadership that is willing to courageously act  beyond self interest and self preservation and make decisions for the sustainability of the greater good.
68 % of Americans lack trust and confidence in leadership(2010National Leadership index). This lack of trust is at all levels and in all segments of business, government, military,and politics. This does not bode well for the future because leaders set the example and provide the framework for the future. If they can’t be trusted, they can not be effective.
Leaders are continuing to operate under the failing paradigm of more is better; wealth=success. This is evidenced in the ongoing political conversations of how  each side will economically fix everything. It is evidenced by the dominance of consumer driven media and the emphasis on external gratification as the solution to whatever ails us.
The Friedman model is collapsing  under its resultant  excesses.
It is up to leadership to determine how the dominoes will fall.
This is a golden opportunity for leaders to step up and insist that their products and services are of benefit to people and the planet.
It is the time for leaders to insist that profitability is joined by meaningful contribution to lives and livelihoods.
It is an opportunity for educators and leaders at all levels to teach fundamental values of goodness; to teach the young that in the end what matters is relationships, compassion, courage, altruism,hope and a life well lived.
Universal forces of nature will continue to insist that things be brought back to center. What center looks like in the future for our civilization will be up to the values that we embrace as leaders and as a society.
Will we as leaders insist on meaningful contribution in our role modeling? Will we lead by example through courage, vision, faith, hope, integrity and altruism?
Or will we continue on a path that is not working where the the rich get richer, the poor poorer and violence and discontent continue?
Leaders are role models.
Change starts with one. Start by checking out your own example. Commit to a higher path. Elevate your perspectives beyond numerical success.
We all have choices. The future will be determined by them.
Continue the conversations of meaningful contribution … take it into schools, MBA programs, strategy sessions, in Congress!
Betty Shotton
www.liftoffleadership.com