Anyone in a large organization who thinks major change is impossible should probably get out.

Great leaders understand that historical success tends to produce stable and inwardly focused organizations, and these outfits, in turn, reinforce a feeling of contentment with the status quo.

Outsiders have the intuitive ability to continually view problems in fresh ways and to identify ineffective practices and traditions.

Great communicators have an appreciation for positioning. They understand the people they're trying to reach and what they can and can't hear. They send their message in through an open door rather than trying to push it through a wall.

Never underestimate the magnitude of the power of the forces that reinforce the status quo.

Overcoming complacency is crucial at the start of any change process, and it often requires a little bit of surprise, something that grabs attention at more than an intellectual level. You need to surprise people with something that disturbs their view that everything is perfect.

In an ever changing world, you never learn it all, even if you keep growing into your 90s.