If knowing yourself and being yourself were as easy to do as to talk about, there wouldn't be nearly so many people walking around in borrowed postures, spouting secondhand ideas, trying desperately to fit in rather than to stand out.

Too many companies believe people are interchangeable. Truly gifted people never are. They have unique talents. Such people cannot be forced into roles they are not suited for, nor should they be. Effective leaders allow great people to do the work they were born to do.

Leaders learn by leading, and they learn bestby leading in the face of obstacles. As weather shapes mountains, problems shape leaders.

Good leaders make people feel that they're at the very heart of things, not at the periphery. Everyone feels that he or she makes a difference to the success of the organization. When that happens people feel centered and that gives their work meaning.

Failing organizations are usually over-managed and under-led.

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

Leaders keep their eyes on the horizon, not just on the bottom line.

The manager asks how and when; the leader asks what and why.

Becoming a leader is synonymous with becoming yourself. It is precisely that simple, and it is also that difficult.