Think of a crucible as an occasion for real magic, the creation of something more valuable than an alchemist could possibly imagine. In it, the individual is transformed, changed, created anew. He or she grows in ways that change his or her definition of self.

Trust resides squarely between faith and doubt.

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

Create strategic alliances and partnerships: Now and in years to come, shrewd leaders will create allegiances with other organizations whose fates are correlated with their own.

Find the appropriate balance of competing claims by various groups of stakeholders. All claims deserve consideration but some claims are more important than others.

Leaders do not avoid, repress, or deny conflict, but rather see it as an opportunity

Great leaders love talent and know where to find it. They surround themselves with talented people who can work effectively together.