"To get others to come into our ways of thinking, we must go over to theirs; and it is necessary to follow, in order to lead." (William Hazlitt)

Being a leader isn't about being in control. The ideal leader is wise and capable. They know when to guide, and when to let others step forward. They're comfortable with delegation of authority, and aren't threatened by those with knowledge greater than their own. Confident leaders share their position, prestige and power equally, and should have a confidence in others that permits them to accept assistance when offered. A true leader isn't territorial or protective of their position; they know when to step aside and let those with fresh ideas and clearer perceptions to take over.

By the same token, there's no such thing as a perfect leader. We humans are flawed. Though most of us strive to be the best we can be, we often fall short of even our own expectations. We have fears and trepidations which cloud our reason. We make mistakes. We misjudge and misunderstand the motives of others. We find it difficult to trust, and wind up hoarding to ourselves assignments which could easily be handled by others. We often fail to recognize genuine altruism, and hide behind a self-made wall of doubt. In short, otherwise capable leaders are sometimes their own worst enemies.

When our Save Jericho campaign began, many strong, capable people emerged from the chaos to stand as leaders. They weren't afraid of the daunting task they faced, and accepted the responsibility thrust upon them. They stood head and shoulders above the crowd, showing wisdom and gathering around themselves other capable people. They worked long hours on the campaign, dividing their time between Jericho and everyday life, often at the cost of sleep or any kind of normalcy. They received no payment for their efforts, save in the knowledge they were doing a good thing for others.

Some detractors would have Jericho fans believe those campaign leaders acted purely from a selfish desire to take credit for what was obviously a group effort. That their only reason for being there was self-aggrandizement. That the hours spent thinking up new strategies, implementing plans and encouraging all the other Jericho fans to keep the faith was for selfish reasons. The "nay-sayers" tell us those leaders had their own agenda, and used the Save Jericho campaign to promote their own enterprises. Even after our efforts proved successful, there are those who project selfish motives onto those who emerged as leaders in the Jericho campaign.

But not one campaign leader has failed to congratulate every fan for their diligence and hard work in bringing Jericho back. It's never been said by any Jericho Leader that one person did more than any other to help change the CBS corporate mindset. While they were praised and lauded, our leaders make a great effort to share the accolades with all of us, making certain each fan knew it was chiefly OUR work that victory was achieved. From the "command staff," to those who created message boards, not one leaders has said one person single-handedly brought Jericho back, but shared the glory with all.

Don't forget this when the nay-sayers and rumor mongerers spread their insidious poison. They do this purely to shatter our solidarity. If there is doubt, don't blindly accept someone else's word. Ask questions, find the answers yourself. Go to the board archives and see what's there. Talk to others and get their opinions, good or bad. Judge for yourself those people who stepped up to the plate and accepted responsibility for a task which was daunting, at best. Don't assume. Ask the leaders about their motives, don't surmise and don't speculate. To do otherwise cheapens the value of our triumphs, and weakens our strength.

"I have never accepted what many people have kindly said, namely that I have inspired the nation. It was the nation and the race dwelling all around the globe that had the lion heart. I had the luck to be called upon to give the roar." (Winston Churchill)