The failure to find the right niche for people - or to let them find their own perfect niches - is a major reason that so many workplaces are mediocre, even toxic, in spite of the presence of talent. Leaders of great groups give them whatever they need and free them from everything else.

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.

Great groups deliver great results. And for everyone involved in a great group, great work is its own reward.

Leadership is the capacity to translate vision into reality.

Leaders should always expect the very best of those around them. They know that people can change and grow.

The manager does things right; the leader does the right thing.

Taking charge of your own learning is a part of taking charge of your life, which is the sine qua non in becoming an integrated person.