In some South Pacific cultures, a speaker holds a conch shell as a symbol of temporary position of authority. Leaders must understand who holds the conch that is, who should be listened to and when.

Everyone in a successful organization must be willing and ready to risk. Risk is like change; it’s not a choice.

From a leader’s perspective, the most serious betrayal has to do with thwarting human potential, with quenching the spirit, with failing to deal equitably with each other as human beings.

Intimacy is at the heart of competence. It has to do with understanding, with believing, and with practice. It has to do with the relationship to one’s work.

When trust permeates a ministry, great things are possible, not the least of which is an opportunity to reach the ministry’s potential.

A friend of mine characterizes leaders simply like this: Leaders don’t inflict pain. They bear pain.

A whale is as unique as a cactus. But don’t ask a whale to survive Death Valley. We all have special gifts. Where we use them and how determines whether we actually complete something.

Leaders don’t inflict pain – they share pain.

Leaders should be able to Stand Alone, Take the Heat, Bear the Pain, Tell the Truth, and Do What’s Right.

History can’t be left to fend for itself. For when it comes to history and beliefs and values, we turn our future on the lathe of the past.