Great leaders help their people see how they can directly impact the company's objectives and their own personal goals.

When any of us thinks of ourselves as a role model - whether thats as a parent being observed by their kids or a leader under the microscope of their followers - it creates a natural stepping up of how we carry ourselves and what we expect from ourselves.

Companies and leaders are role models - not just with the business community - but in the broader world.

I don't know about you, but I've saved cards that old high school flames wrote me as well as those that employees have written me over the years. The power of genuine, customized appreciation will never lose its value, even in a gloomy economy... in fact, it's probably what we're all thirsty for in this desert of a depression.

In general, I'm not much into etiquette and am a rule-breaker and rebel by nature.

Feeling good about your life, but not expressing a heartfelt 'thank you,' is like wrapping a gift for someone and never giving it to them.

We rigidify our self-image to portray a certain identity to the world, which is one of the key impediments to authenticity.