by Ramon Harper (Author)
The lyrics above are from a 1988 Top 40 platinum-selling song by Rob Base and DJ E-Z Rock,
who initially made the song with samples from another song written in 1972 by James Brown
and performed by Lyn Collins called "Think (About It)." You don't remember that? OK, then
check out the lyrics to the 1965 hit song "It Takes Two," sung by Marvin Gaye and Kim Weston.
These lyrics succinctly sum up my convictions as a leader. Over the last 20 years, I have
served in various executive leadership positions, from the federal government to the nonprofit
sector to the corporate world and in ministry; and I felt the need to share experiences--mine
and those of others--who have contributed to the success of those organizations in my com-
panion book, It Takes 2: Who Is Helping You Lead?
I am a firm believer that it does take two (and three, and four, and more) to make things go
right in an organization. Whether in the corporate world, nonprofit organizations, government,
sports, entertainment, and the church, no one man or woman can build a winning tradition
without help.