Leading with character gives the wise leader clear-cut advantages. They are easier to trust and follow; they honor commitments and promises; their words and behavior match; they are always engaged in and by the world; they are open to "reflective backtalk": they can speak with conviction because they believe in what they are saying...and everyone else knows that. They are comfortable in their own skin. They feel at ease in the spotlight and they enjoy it there. They tend to be more receptive to opportunity and risk.

It is the capacity to develop and improve their skills that distinguishes leaders from followers.

There is a profound difference between information and meaning.

Perhaps the central task of the leader of leaders thus becomes the development of other leaders.

People in great groups have blinders on. Their work is all they see. They value failures as learning opportunities. They are optimistic, not realistic, as they proceed from one challenge and crisis to the next.

Growing other leaders from the ranks isn't just the duty of the leader, it's an obligation.

The future has no shelf life