On Leadership: Don't ever think or say "I." Think and say "we." Effective leaders know they have authority only because they have the trust of an organization. They understand that the needs and opportunities of an organization come before their own needs.
On Talent: Attracting and holding talent have become two of the central tasks of management. Knowledge workers have many options and should be treated and managed as volunteers. They're interested in personal achievement and personal responsibility. They expect continuous learning and training. They want respect and authority. Give it to them.
On Work: Focus on opportunities rather than problems. Problem solving prevents damage but exploiting opportunities produces results. Unless there is a true crisis, problems shouldn't even be discussed at management meetings until opportunities have been analysed and dealt with. Exploit change as an opportunity, and don't view it as a threat.
On Making Decisions: Every decision is risky; it is a commitment of present resources to an unknown future. Risks can be minimized if you know when a decision is necessary, how to clearly define a problem and tackle it directly, and that you'll have to make compromises in the end. You haven't made a decision until you've found a way to implement it.
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