Introduction to The Road of Leadership... In today's climate of ever-changing and competitive markets, economic woes and increasing customer needs, the demand for leadership is arguably at an all-time high regardless of the business type. Whether it is Healthcare, Logistics, Manufacturing, Communications or Merchandising, each business type needs strong and proactive leadership to minimize negatively impacting unforeseen events. In recent years, the advances in communication, marketing and information sharing have progressed almost beyond anyone's imagination. Twenty five years ago if you had described today's digital world, electronic communication and electronic business environment to a stranger on the street as the normal state of affairs they would have urged to seek psychological counseling. But, look around. The world has changed and it has changed quickly. Leadership is no different. Leaders of organizations must keep abreast of their market environment or they will most assuredly fall behind or worse, cease to exist. Leadership is a multi-layered skill consisting of many traits and characteristics. The role model leader must be proficient in all of them. This text will discuss the definition of leadership, the character and traits required for leadership and, perhaps most importantly, the role and commitments of the leader. Leadership is not easy and at times can be a very lonely career choice. That is why so few actually reach it and maintain it for long periods of time. If you are in a leadership role remind yourself regularly that leadership is an art and not a science. There is no wonder drug that will magically cure all ailments and no mathematical formula to find the correct answer for each decision. Rarely will you make a decision that you do not later replay in your mind and wonder if it was the right one. Note the title of this text; Road OF Leadership as opposed to Road TO Leadership. This is important to note as leadership is a continuous journey and not a resting place. You cannot become stagnant in leadership skills nor business skills. Stagnation in leadership and business equates to death in leadership and business. I hope you enjoy the words and ideas on these pages and I hope you find it helpful in your own leadership journey. I wish you safe travels on the Road of Leadership, Stephen R. Gaines