The importance of discretion increases with closeness to the top of a hierarchical organization.

If world problems feel too big to tackle, think small. Step by step. Small wins build confidence, lead the way to change.

I've found that small wins, small projects, small differences often make huge differences.

Competition has never been more threatening than it is now. Innovative thinkers challenge the status quo in their organizations. They are often viewed as "troublemakers." They threaten the defenders of the status quo. So competition within an organization can also be brutal. The most effective leaders overcome "the ideology of comfort and the tyranny of custom" by being change agents themselves. They encourage and reward innovative thinking. I have observed that people only resist changes imposed on them by other people.

Winning becomes easier over time as the cornerstones of confidence become habits.

Confidence is not just in people's heads; it comes from the culture of the organization. It's easier to expect success when working in an organization that has a culture of accountability, collaboration, and initiative. Without this, it's easier - and more self-protective - to assume failure so the person is not disappointed and instead pleasantly surprised.

Confidence makes you willing to try harder and attracts the kind of support from others that makes "winning" possible.