A friend of mine characterizes leaders simply like this: Leaders don't inflict pain. They bear pain.

Sometimes we think we're a little too gifted to show up, yo uknow. But none of us truly is...By avoiding risk we really risk what's most important in life---reaching toward growth, our potential, and a true contribution to a common good.

Intimacy is at the heart of competence. It has to do with understanding, with believing, and with practice. It has to do with the relationship to one's work.

The signs of outstanding leadership appear primarily among the followers. Are the followers reaching their potential? Are they learning? Serving? Do they achieve the required results? Do they change with grace? Manage conflict?

We can accomplish more together than we can alone.

Leadership is like third grade: it means repeating the significant things.

To be a leader means, especially, having the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who permit leaders to lead.