Inability to make decisions is one of the principal reasons executives fail. Deficiency in decision-making ranks much higher than lack of specific knowledge or technical know-how as an indicator of leadership failure.

Negative expectations are a quick route to dead-end thinking.

I am convinced more than ever that good communication and leadership are all about connecting. If you can connect with others at every level -one-on-one, in groups, and with an audience-your relationships are stronger, your sense of community improves, your ability to create teamwork increases, your influence increases, and your productivity skyrockets.

Are you a thinker, a doer, or a clutch player? The better you are, the greater potential for influence you will have with your people.

If your desire is a 10 but your self-esteem is a 5, you'll never perform at the level of a 10. You'll perform as a 5 or lower. People are ever able to outperform their self-image.

Reaching the top is a monumental achievement, but remaining there may be the most spectacular feat of all.

Success is achieved in inches, not miles.