Every human endeavor has leaders and followers, and your job as a leader is to inspire.

In the army we are drilled into execution and then supervision, to make sure everything goes the way you planned it. But there is another thing that we do in the military, that I think perhaps isn't done enough in corporate life: As soon as you have made that decision, you start on the contingency planning. Because there is, as we like to say, a thinking, breathing enemy out there, who is not going to let you do just what you want.

Being kind doesn't mean being soft or a wuss. Kindness is not a sign of weakness. It is a sign of confidence. If you have developed a reputation for kindness and consideration, then even the most unpleasant decisions will go down easier because everyone will understand why you are doing what you are doing. They will realize that your decision must be necessary, and is not arbitrary or without empathy. As the old saying puts it, 'To the world, you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world.'

Always be looking for that which you do well and that which you love doing, and when you find those two things together — man, you got it.

Actually, there is no more important task for a leader than to pick people. To make sure you have the very best people working for you.

The healthiest competition occurs when average people win by putting above average effort.

I try to be the same person I was yesterday.