Trying to get people to face reality and see the world the way it really is is an absolutely critical aspect of leadership, in my view.

Simple messages travel faster, simpler designs reach the market faster and the elimination of clutter allows faster decision making.

Celebrating creates an atmosphere of recognition and positive energy. Imagine a team winning the World Series without champagne spraying everywhere. And yet companies win all the time and let it go without so much as a high five. Work is too much a part of life not to recognize moments of achievement. Make a big deal out of them. If you don't, no one will.

In every company, differentiation is never more important than it is in times of trouble, and that's the time when everyone tends to go to the well and equalize rather than differentiate.

Common mission trap for companies: trying to be all things to all people at all times.

Get the best player because whether it's soccer or whether it's anything else the team with the best players wins. So focus your energy on getting the best and getting rid of the weakest.

No vision is worth the paper it's printed on unless it is communicated constantly and reinforced with rewards.