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.

All great leaders constantly seek new information and new ways of thinking.

Leadership (according to John Sculley) revolves around vision, ideas, direction, and has more to do with inspiring people as to direction and goals than with day-to-day implementation. A leader must be able to leverage more than his own capabilities. He must be capable of inspiring other people to do things without actually sitting on top of them with a checklist.

Listening to the inner voice - trusting the inner voice - is one of the most important lessons of leadership.

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

Success in management requires learning as fast as the world is changing.

Followers who tell the truth, and leaders who listen to it, are an unbeatable combination.