The common wisdom is that ... managers have to learn to motivate people. Nonsense. Employees bring their own motivation.

South Africa has all the tools to compete in the new global village - an eager workforce, ready to take on any challenge.

Leaders don't create followers, they create more leaders.

Organize as much as possible around teams, to achieve enhanced focus, task orientation, innovativeness, and individual commitment.

'In Search of Excellence' - even the title - is a reminder that business isn't dry, dreary, boring, or by the numbers. Life at work can be cool - and work that's cool isn't confined to Tiger Woods, Yo-Yo Ma, or Tom Hanks. It's available to all of us and any of us.

Stop being conned by the old mantra that says, 'Leaders are cool, managers are dweebs.' Instead, follow the Peters Principle: Leaders are cool. Managers are cool too!

If the other guy is getting better, then you'd better be getting better faster than the other guy is getting better... or you're getting worse.