“The virtue lies in the struggle, not in the prize.” – R.M. Milnes

Why have we seemed to have lost sight of this simple truth?

At what point did we decide the prize justifies using any means necessary to obtain it?

Why do we think cooking books, using deceptive trade practices, over-promising and under-delivering are acceptable ways to run a business?

When did we quit valuing the honor of a good effort towards a worthwhile goal?

When did winning for winning’s sake replace winning the right way?

What are we teaching our children?

“Need and struggle are what excite and inspire us” – William James

Are values, morals and ethics really negotiable?

Are they disposable, relics to be thrown away, like so many other old-fashioned attributes such as commitment, fair play, straight shooting and square dealing?

What will be our legacy?

A leader should care about these questions. A leader should be able to answer them, in the right way, for the right reasons.

Virtue is still worth fighting for. Struggle is good for the mind and soul. There is honor in the effort.

Leaders must keep teaching and modeling these values.

We have seen what happens when we don’t.