Society, community, family are all conserving institutions. They try to maintain stability and to prevent, or at least slow down, change. But the organization of the post-capitalist society of organizations is a destabilizer. Because its function is to put knowledge to work - on tools, processes, and products; on work; on knowledge itself - it must be organized for constant change.

What gets measured gets managed.

Businesses are not paid to reform customers. They are paid to satisfy customers.

When it rains manna from heaven, some people put up an umbrella. Others reach for a big spoon.

Inside an organization there are only cost centers. The only profit center is a customer whose check has not bounced.

The final test of greatness in a CEO is how well he chooses a successor and whether he can step aside and let the successor run the company.

As a manager you're paid to be uncomfortable. If you're comfortable, it's a sure sign you're doing things wrong.