Leadership Impacts Everything!

President's Message By
Frank L. VanderSloot
President & CEO

August 2006

History would teach us that the world has need of great leaders! Most of history's greatest events have happened because of the leadership of great men and women who have had the insight, inspiration, and the fortitude to act upon worthy goals and to lead others to new heights. Life offers unlimited opportunity to lead. History may never record the impact of fathers and mothers, community leaders, church leaders, or business leaders on children. However, often these leaders have a bigger impact on our lives than those whose stories have been recorded by history.

As I review the success of those affiliated with Melaleuca and of the company itself, it is easy to conclude that our own success has been the result of hundreds of fine leaders across the continent. The impact of these leaders is immeasurable because their influence continues to cause people to grow long after that influence has been exercised. In fact, many individuals continue to experience growth and personal progress many years after having contact with-or having been influenced by-one or more of these great leaders.

Although the magnitude and results of great leadership are often awesome, the role of the leader is often less than romantic. Leadership is not a popularity contest. It is often frustrating and frequently lonely.

True leadership is seldom easy, but it often is rewarding, especially when you realize its long-term and far-reaching effects. Only those who think in the “long-term” have the ability to be great leaders. Those who think in the “here and now” often trade the future for more immediate but less fulfilling benefits.

Leaders must be trustworthy. They must know where they are going. They must be mission-driven, and they must truly care about those they are leading. They must look out for the best interests of those whom they
would lead.

True leadership is not without risk. Leadership is not asking which way people are going and then running quickly to be in front. Leadership is not trying to determine who is going to win and then joining that team. A true leader takes steps to discover what is best for others, and then steps out to lead people in that direction.

Although positions of authority can be assigned, true leadership can
never be assigned. Leadership comes from within. You do not have to wait for position or authority to exercise leadership. Anyone, regardless of position, can choose to be a leader of a good cause. Supporting other good leaders is one of the finest and most noble forms of leadership. Good leaders support other leaders. Example is the finest form of leadership, and calling oneself to action is always the first step.

There are many great causes in the world. I feel Melaleuca is one such great cause and is worthy of our attention. As our mission of enhancing the lives of others rolls forth, I would call on all of our people-customers, Marketing Executives and employees alike-to call themselves into action, to be good examples, to lead out, to go to work and build dreams. The hundreds of leaders who have exercised their leadership with Melaleuca have made a tremendous impact on the company and on thousands of lives. I am so impressed with how much good has come from their efforts, and I am so grateful for their support. With the leaders who have joined us and the thousands of new leaders who are developing within our ranks, our future and the future of those who join us appear very promising. Thank you all for your contribution. And most of all, thank you for your leadership.

Sincerely,

Frank

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