The more closed the circle, the more difficult it is for 'outsiders' to break in. Their very difficulty in entering may be taken as a sign of incompetence, a sign that the insiders were right to close their ranks.

A basic truth of management - if not of life - is that nearly everything looks like a failure in the middle.

Peter Drucker being one of the most important influences because he has helped to think differently about organizational leadership and management. Frankly, I learn something of value from everyone I meet. My Harvard colleagues. My students. The executives I work with. For an eager student, which is what I am, there is so much to be learned from everyday experiences. I'm a sponge. Always will be.

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

Leaders are more powerful role models when they learn than when they teach.

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

In the most innovative companies there is a significantly higher volume of thank yous than in companies of low innovation.