The first responsibility of a leader is to define reality.

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

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

Trust comes only with genuine effort, never with a lick and a promise.

We see a decline of civility, and, sadly, it’s often modeled by the very people from whom we have the least right to expect it.

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.

A team of giants needs giant pitchers who throw good ideas but every pitcher needs an outstanding catcher. Without giant catchers, the ideas of the giant pitchers may eventually disappear.