Did you ever notice that really good leaders, effective leaders, those who have a long-term, positive impact on others most often have a happy and joyful attitude towards life while getting things done?  And yet these same leaders usually have the greatest burdens and are responsible for the most significant problems.  I don’t mean they are never sad or angry or frustrated, but I do mean that they seem to save those emotions for the really big issues, while they rise above the small daily inconveniences.  Assertive leaders stay positive while delivering results.  We lead at a time when lots of organizations particular court organizations are conflicted. The adage about judicial leadership is like herding cats….is occasionally right but more right when you acknowledge that some of the cats are not cute kittens but feral cats.  The key then to being effective is to remain positive!