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

The American Heritage Dictionary defines crucible as "a place, time, or situation characterized by the confluence of powerful intellectual, social, economic, or political forces; a severe test of patience or belief; a vessel for melting material at high temperatures." A crucible was the vessel in which medieval alchemists attempted to turn base metals into gold. That the alchemists inevitably failed in their audacious attempts doesn't denigrate the power of the crucible as a metaphor for the circumstances that cause an individual to be utterly transformed.

Leaders are people who do the right thing; managers are people who do things right.

That's important to remember: it's not just a collection of great individuals but a group of people who enjoy playing in the sandbox, thoroughly enjoying collaborative problem solving.

Vision animates, inspires, transforms purpose into action.

Effective leaders make a full commitment to be a learner, to keep increasing and nourishing their knowledge and wisdom.

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