In determing "the right people," the good-to-great companies placed greater weight on character attributes than on specific educational background, practical skills, specialized knowledge, or work experience.

Most people will look back and realize they did not have a great life because it's just so easy to settle for a good life.

Those who build and perpetuate mediocrity...are motivated more by the fear of being left behind.

The only mistakes you can learn from are the ones you survive.

If we only have great companies, we will merely have a prosperous society, not a great one. Economic growth and power are the means, not the definition, of a great nation.

Managing your problems can only make you good, whereas building your opportunities is the only way to become great.

Whether you prevail or fail depends more on what you do to yourself than on what the world does to you.