The price of greatness is Responsibility

"It is not the critic who counts, not the man who points out how the strong man stumbled, or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly, who errs and comes short again and again, who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, and spends himself in a worthy cause, who at best knows achievement and who at the worst if he fails at least fails while daring greatly so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat."

The words of Sir Winston Churchill, one of the 20th century's most recognized statesmen, embody a resounding message: "The price of greatness is responsibility." Conscientious, reliable people who can excel under pressure, meet obligations, and assume leadership roles are increasingly being sought by the business world and virtually every organization in society.

Shouldering responsibility is an essential characteristic of a successful person. One doesn't have to be a prime minister of Great Britain, a man who led his country from the brink of defeat against a German invasion, to be recognized as responsible.

Qualities of leadership and courage emerge from those who assume responsibility. Blending a profound respect for different views with open and honest debate will make us all the more appreciative of the simple fact that when an organization works toward a positive common goal, there is a strength that almost assures success in any endeavor

Commitment, dedication, and sacrifice are words that can be used to describe those who are willing to pay the price of success.

Steadfast determination to succeed, carried over the length and breadth of a career, is the mark of true achievement.