Most executives have learned that what one postpones, one actually abandons ... timing is a most important element in the success of any effort. To do five years later what would have been smart to do five years earlier, is almost a sure recipe for frustration and failure.

Nothing is less productive than to make more efficient what should not be done at all.

Unless strategy evaluation is performed seriously and systematically, and unless strategists are willing to act on the results, energy will be used up defending yesterday.

Defending yesterday is far more risky than making tomorrow.

Elephants have a hard time adapting. Cockroaches outlive everything.

The most critical case in a corporation, especially a big one, is when everything goes well, when you have accomplished your objectives. When the temptation is to work twice as hard instead of saying, "We have accomplished our objectives, we have to think again."

Every single social and global issue of our day is a business opportunity in disguise.