Let it [racism] be a problem to someone else... Let it drag them down. Don't use it as an excuse for your own shortcomings.

In other words, don't expect to always be great. Disappointments, failures and setbacks are a normal part of the lifecycle of a unit or a company and what the leader has to do is constantly be up and say 'we have a problem, let's go and get it'.

Politics is different, because the mission is always to get the necessary votes. A good politician goes through everything in terms of mission and vision, and resourcing, but at the end of the day politicians have to make compromises in order to achieve consensus.

With vision only, you get no follow-through. With enforcers only, the vision is realized but leaves a lot of wreckage.

One important element of leadership is taking care of the troops.

Be careful what you choose: You may get it.

There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure.