If I were to give off-the-cuff advice to anyone trying to institute change, I would say, "How clear is the metaphor?"

What makes a good follower? The single most important characteristic may well be a willingness to tell the truth. In a world of growing complexity leaders are increasingly dependent on their subordinates for good information, whether the leaders want to hear it or not. Followers who tell the truth and leaders who listen to it are an unbeatable combination.

Organizations should try to find out if their learning programs actually work.

Coaching will become the model for leaders in the future... I am certain that leadership can be learned and that terrific coaches... facilitate learning.

Too many companies believe people are interchangeable. Truly gifted people never are. They have unique talents. Such people cannot be forced into roles they are not suited for, nor should they be. Effective leaders allow great people to do the work they were born to do.

Create a compelling vision, one that takes people to a new place, and then translate that vision into a reality.

Successful leadership is not about being tough or soft, sensitive or assertive, but about a set of attributes. First and foremost is character