To grasp organizational life as it is, read novels (!) .... It is my fervent belief that we will never design rational processes that "overcome" such irregularities-don't bother telling that to a consultant. Hence, we should embrace the real, nonrational, nonlinear world with vigor and glee-and develop enterprise and career strategies accordingly.

Send 10-TEN!!-people flowers. Today. As "Thank yous" for good things "small"-or even large-done in the last two weeks.

If you're not confused, you're not paying attention.

Are you placing enough interesting, freakish, long shot, weirdo bets?

The top athletes are consummate pros who work obsessively at their craft. Approach yours the same way.

When you choose a managerial path, you are choosing to devote your life to people. Period.

Confidence means non-paralysis, a willingness to act, and act decisively, to start new things and cut failing ventures off.