Strong leaders know what anchors them. Every healthy orchard begins with roots. Roots hold the tree steady during storms. They draw nourishment from the soil. Although most of their work happens beneath the surface, everything visible above ground depends upon them. A leader's roots are the purpose, values, beliefs, and commitments that guide how they behave. They influence what receives attention, how decisions are made, what gets rewarded, and how people are treated - especially when the pressure is on.