Learning to be an effective leader is no different than learning to be an effective person. And that's the hard part

Leaders keep their eyes on the horizon, not just on the bottom line.

Expect the best from your people and they will usually deliver but your expectations must be realistic.

Every one of the geezers who continues to play a leadership role has one quality of overriding importance: neotony. The dictionary definition is that neotony, a zoological term, involves "the retention of youthful qualities throughout old age." It is more than merely retaining a youthful appearance, although that is often part of it. Neotony is the retention of all those wonderful qualities that we associate with youth: curiosity, playfulness, eagerness, fearlessness, warmth, energy.

In life, change is inevitable. In business, change is vital.

Don't over-react to the trouble makers.

This duality, making yourself better while teaching and developing others' judgment capabilities, is the key to leadership that is both productive and principled.