In most vital organizations, there is a common bond of interdependence, mutual interest, interlocking contributions, and simple joy.

In addition to all of the ratios and goals and parameters and bottom lines, it is fundamental that leaders endorse a concept of persons. This begins with an understanding of the diversity of people's gifts and talents and skills. Recognizing diversity gives us the chance to provide meaning, fulfillment and purpose, which are not to be relegated solely to private life any more than such things as love, beauty and joy. The art of leadership lies in polishing and liberating and enabling those gifts.

Trust cannot be bought or commanded, inherited or enforced. To maintain it, leaders must continually earn it.

Change without continuity is chaos. Continuity without change is sloth-and very risky.

Understanding the diversity of our gifts enables us to begin taking the crucial step of trusting each other.

We talk about the quality of product and service. What about the quality of our relationships and the quality of our communications and the quality of our promises to each other?

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