This obsession with leadership... It's not neutral; it's American, this idea of the heroic leader who comes in on a white horse to save the day. I think it's killing American companies.

The prime occupational hazard of a manager is superficiality.

Never set out to be the best. It's too low a standard. Set out to be good. Do Your best.

What you get out of an M.B.A. programme, no matter how much experience, is functional tools and understanding in disciplines: you'll understand economics, you'll understand marketing, finance, accounting. That, M.B.A. programmes do very well.

Strategies grow initially like weeds in a garden, they are not cultivated like tomatoes in a hothouse.

Why does every generation have to think that he lives in the period with the greatest turbulence?

It is time to recognize conventional MBA programs for what they are - or else to close them down. They are specialized training in the functions of business, not general educating in the practice of management.