Level 5 leaders channel their ego needs away from themselves and into the larger goal of building a great company. It's not that Level 5 leaders have no ego or self-interest. Indeed, they are incredibly ambitious-but their ambition is first and foremost for the institution, not themselves.

Perhaps your quest to be part of building something great will not fall in your business life. But find it somewhere. If not in corporate life, then perhaps in making your church great. If not there, then perhaps a nonprofit, or a community organization, or a class you teach. Get involved in something that you care so much about that you want to make it the greatest it can possibly be, not because of what you will get, but just because it can be done.

How can we do better tomorrow than we did today?

Creativity dies in an indisciplined environment.

Good is the enemy of great.. The vast majority of good companies remain just that - good, but not great.

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

The signature of mediocrity is chronic inconsistency.