I think every leader has an obligation - the absolute obligation - to treat everyone fairly. But they also have the obligation to treat everyone differently. Because people aren't all the same, and the last thing you ever want to do, in my opinion, is let the best in your organization be treated like the worst in your organization. It does nothing for your future.

If you get the best people on your team, you've got plenty of time to do the things you like to do and can add more value to.

You measure your people and you take action on those that don't measure up.

We know where most of the creativity, the innovation, the stuff that drives productivity lies - in the minds of those closest to the work.

Take time to get to know people. Understand where they are coming from, what is important to them. Make sure they are with you.

When all is said and done, teaching is what I try to do for a living.

As a leader, you have no right to have any employee wonder how they fit in and where they are going.