Leaders do not avoid, repress, or deny conflict, but rather see it as an opportunity
Warren G. BennisEvery 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.
Warren G. BennisRecognize the skills and traits you don't possess, and hire the people who have them.
Warren G. BennisUnderstand the "Pygmalion Effect": Leaders should always expect the very best of those around them. They know that people can change and grow.
Warren G. BennisThis is more than just having a vision. You can see the difference in the often-cited way in which Steve Jobs brought in John Sculley to take over Apple. At the time, Sculley was destined to be the head of Pepsico. The clincher came when Jobs asked him, "How many more years of your life do you want to spend making colored water when you can have an opportunity to come here and change the world?"
Warren G. Bennis