A great thinker once described innovative thinkers this way: "Some men see things as they are and say, 'Why?' I dream of things that never were and say, 'Why not?'" Innovative thinkers are constantly asking questions such as these. How can we improve recruiting, hiring and training. How can be add greater value to our products and services by making them even better? How can we do more to nourish the personal as well as professional development of our people? What more can we do as a good citizen where we do business?

Creativity is a lot like looking at the world through a kaleidoscope. You look at a set of elements, the same ones everyone else sees, but then reassemble those floating bits and pieces into an enticing new possibility.

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

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

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

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

Sometimes you lose - perhaps because you play against the very best, or because surprises happen - but if there is organizational confidence, you bounce back from losses and convert them to successes.