Discipline should amplify creativity rather than stifle it.

Consider the idea that charisma can be as much a liability as an asset. Your strength of personality can sow the seeds of problems, when people filter the brutal facts from you.

The most effective leaders of companies in transition are the quiet, unassuming people whose inner wiring is such that the worst circumstances bring out their best. They're unflappable, they're ready to die if they have to. But you can trust that, when bad things are happening, they will become clearheaded and focused.

You must maintain unwavering faith that you can and will prevail in the end, regardless of the difficulties, AND at the same time, have the discipline to confront the most brutal facts of your current reality, whatever they might be.

Don't take care of your career. Take care of your people. They will take care of your career.

Throw leaders into an extreme environment, and it will separate the stark differences between greatness and mediocrity.

Good-to-great companies set their goals and strategies based on understanding; comparison companies set their goals and strategies based on bravado.