Power stems from 'rainmaking,' as law firms put it: the ability to bring resources into the company.

Leaders must wake people out of inertia. They must get people excited about something they've never seen before, something that does not yet exist.

Time is a function of impact. The longer a book of mine has been in print, the greater its impact seems to be as people absorb and digest my ideas. I am especially proud of The Change Master: Innovation and Entrepreneurship in the American Corporation, first published in 1983, because it raised questions and addressed issues at a time when so many great changes were occurring in our society, indeed throughout the world.

People who are making decisions about the future often don't have access to some of the best ideas in the company, which may be at the periphery or at lower levels.

Innovation is an outgrowth of initiative, and initiative - taking positive actions in a belief that your actions can make a difference - is a big part of confidence.

The very lack of opportunity the group faces creates a self-defeating cycle and puts pressure on members to limit their aspirations.

You can always buy something in English, you can't always sell something in English.