Confidence is the sweet spot between arrogance and despair-consisting of positive expectations for favorable outcomes.

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

Leaders must pick causes they won't abandon easily, remain committed despite setbacks, and communicate their big ideas over and over again in every encounter.

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

Mindless habitual behavior is the enemy of innovation.

During the Boom Years, it was so easy to lose sight of basic values. For example, there was lots of nonsense said and written about the so-called "New Economy." Some people said all economic laws have been overturned! Then all the problems developed. Corporations were heavily fined for illegalities. Many of their senior-level executives were indicted, convicted, and sent to prison.

The behavior of people and the culture of an organization are very different in winning streaks and losing streaks. But what both have in common is their momentum - once winners' or losers' habits and culture take hold, they tend to perpetuate themselves.