Clarity is the preoccupation of the effective leader. If you do nothing else as a leader, be clear.

Remember, what you focus on expands; results follow focus.

We live with them every day, and they come so easily to us that they cease to be precious.

You will excel only by maximizing your strengths, never by fixing your weaknesses.

Authenticity is your most precious commodity as a leader.

It's a special person - and personality - who can lead a start-up to soaring success and sustain that success for the long term. Apple co-founder Steve Jobs and Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg are star examples.

People should be hired "as is" and their managers then help them to develop their individual strengths while completing tasks for which they have the greatest aptitude and in which they have the greatest interest.