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

Pessimists see problems as stemming from stable and universal causes, thus making them less susceptible to corrective action. Optimists, in contrast, view problems as temporary and resulting from specific factors that will either change or be changed.

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.

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.

A vision is not just a picture of what could be; it is an appeal to our better selves, a call to become something more.

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

Companies used to be able to function with autocratic bosses. We don't live in that world anymore.