There are countless ways of achieving greatness, but any road to achieving one's maximum potential must be built on a bedrock of respect for the individual, a commitment to excellence, and a rejection of mediocrity.

IBM doesn't want its people to get frustrated and restless because it has them reaching for carrots they can't quit

Leadership is the ability of a single individual through his or her actions to motivate others to higher levels of achievement.

. . . top management should spend 40 to 50 percent of its time educating and motivating its people . . .

Good people need room to develop. They have to find their own voice . . . each IBMer is a businessperson working within the framework of the company structure.

We depend on you to do the right thing; right for both you and the company. It is no exaggeration to say that IBM's reputation is in your hands.

. . . the world is filled with the kind of customers who deserve the care and attention I advocate, and I'd be willing to jump through hoops to win and keep them.