Many people ask why we don't have more leaders. Why can't our elected officials work together to solve major problems? Some go so far as to say that we are in the midst of a  leadership crisis. So, do we really have a shortage of leaders? My answer is "no!" The fact is that  there are millions of leaders in this country and in the world. They are every where you look and in every walk of life. We may have political paralysis in certain countries but the culture of leadership is alive and well among the people of this world.

I see this leadership every day in people who have the courage to act on their convictions to make a positive impact on the world. They are single heads of households, medical professionals, entrepreneurs, CEOs of for profit and non-profit enterprises, soldiers serving in the military and teachers trying to develop young people. The list goes on.

I recently went to Haiti to teach and saw firsthand a shining example of leadership from the superb men and women working for Partners in Health. This is an organization dedicated to providing access to health care, training health workers and, fighting disease and poverty in various poor countries around the world.  Their work has changed the lives of countless citizens in Haiti, Malawi, Rwanda and other communities in need. This organization has close ties to Harvard's Medical School, School of Public Health and Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston. It is comprised of hundreds of people who give of their time and careers to work in economically challenged communities in order to serve patients, re-build infrastructure, and educate local leaders. The individuals involved don't do this work to get rich or achieve fame. Instead, they do this work based on a deeply held desire to make a positive impact on the world.

This type of leadership is contagious. It motivates all of us to figure out how we can help and make a greater impact. It pushes each of us to find ways to use our skills to support a cause that is greater than ourselves.

What does this have to do with you? If you're reading this, you likely are a leader or have an interest in leadership.  As such, you are a great candidate to find a cause that you believe in and take action to get involved. You don't have to be an "expert" on the cause. You need only be open to learning and bringing your formidable skills to the challenge. You can make a powerful difference.

The problems of the world over the next 25 years are not going to be solved by governments. They don't have the money or, in many cases, the organization to address several of our most difficult problems. The big problems are going to only get solved by the involvement of people like you

Think about a cause that you care about and get involved by contributing your passion, skills and leadership abilities. The problems of the world aren't going to be solved by someone else. Our future depends on you acting on your convictions and getting involved!