Succession planning has been a major priority at Southwest for quite some time. We think we have come up with a winning combination of talent for our company reorganization.

To be an excellent leader, you have to be a superb follower.

If you create an environment where the people truly participate, you don't need control. They know what needs to be done and they do it. And the more that people will devote themselves to your cause on a voluntary basis, a willing basis, the fewer hierarchies and control mechanisms you need.

The more time I spend with our people, the more I find out about our business.

The business of business is people.

If you don't treat your own people well, they won't treat other people well.

Sometimes you need a little courage too just to buck popular opinion.