Anyone looking back on 2012 would say it was a year rich in examples of both the best and worst leadership.We saw countless moments where the finest human character and judgment prevailed, and moments where people in high-visibility roles stunned us with their lack of courage. Without pretense of completeness, here's my list of Five Best and Worst of 2012:

Best:

1. The teachers and administrators of Sandy Hook Elementary. For their acts of self-sacrifice that saved countless lives. They reminded us of the everyday heroism and unrecognized value of most public employees.
2. The volunteers, firefighters and government representatives who responded to the tragedy of Superstorm Sandy. For the tales of initiative and compassion that continue to roll in.   
3. Warren Buffett. For exemplifying that slow and steady--as well as wise--generally wins the race. (Plus, I just love it that he continues to live in a modest ranch house, married to his original wife.)
4. Stephen Covey. For his legacy of work inspiring millions to strive for more integrity and effectiveness in individual and organizational leadership.
5. Yahoo's Board of Directors. For making Yahoo the first Fortune 500 company to name a CEO to the job when six-months pregnant. Their milestone decision shows open-mindedness we don't often get to witness.

Worst:

1.  U. S. Congress. For forgetting that they were hired to work out solutions with one another, for their transparent self-interest, and for plummeting public trust percentages to an all-time low.
2. Penn State's President and Head Football Coach. The Jerry Sandusky scandal exposed how easy it is for leaders to ignore bad news when the benefits of doing so are so huge and the costs individual, human and removed from those leaders.
3. Staples' Senior Management. For requiring retail store staff to "sell up" an average of $200 in extras for each computer sold, disciplining and/or firing those who didn't. The company lost millions in sales due to the widespread employee response of "walking the customer" in order to keep their jobs (i.e., telling customers who declined add-ons that the computer was not in stock, sending them out the door empty-handed).
4. University of Virginia's Board. For forcing out the University's well-respected president with such ill-considered, aggressive haste that they were pressured to reinstate her.
5. Lance Armstrong. For disappointing athletes and admirers around the world with his repeated false denials of doping through seven Tour de France victories. And on top of that, for damaging his namesake foundation's reputation.

There were so many more.... What are YOUR candidates for the Best and Worst? 

Click here to respond and we'll publish a tally in our next issue.

 All the best in 2013!