I just received an email directing me to some new comments on a blog I read some time ago. Among the issues raised was the above question. I recall how the question stopped me in my tracks and made me really think.

Some lead, some follow – the world has always been this way. But what are the leaders trying to achieve? As a self employed person even I have to balance the “doing” with the “pioneering”.

But to what end. When I am no more, what will be left? What impact will I have made? Will the world be a better place?

The burden of responsibility rests on us all. Philosophers have always maintained that every one of us has the power to make a difference. It is not good enough to look around and expect someone else to make the difference for us. I agree with this.

I was recently introduced to a remarkable book called “The Tipping Point”. Its premise is that big things often happen as the result of the smallest of things. It is rarely possible to know what that small thing is until afterwards.

Standing still and waiting for everyone else to do something is not helping.

Is it your turn to be the tipping point?

Responsibility is a great word. It might be mine, yours, or the best of all – someone else’s. We all accept a little ourselves, but expect a lot from others.

Right now, I’m juggling two organisations that have decided to take responsibility for their own financial situation and are prepared to do whatever it takes to ensure they continue their excellent work. And to do this in the face of seemingly never-ending red tape, ignorance, and just plain stubbornness to give a helping hand when it’s needed.

What does it take for someone to take a risk in the name of a good cause? It’s not as if we are short of some good news stories at the moment.

The way I see it, the “bigger” problems in this world are not caused by being helpful, but by being greedy.