The call for leadership to influence patient outcomes.

leadership is the obvious focus of this journal. Leadership consists of the ability to, first, see today as it really is – all the warts, the issues, the successes and the abysmal failures despite the investment of considerable resources; second, see a preferred future, one that others can engage in and contribute to building; and then third, take action to close the gap between the reality of today and that preferred future. Leadership exists throughout the healthcare system, from the front line through senior executive and regional levels. Opportunities to achieve a preferred future arise each day, in each setting and in each healthcare role.