27. “ When Jacques Nasser was CEO at Ford, he ‘benchmarked.’ And I applauded. Why? His ‘benchmark’ was Dell! That is, a company outside his rather screwed-up industry. Likewise, the U.S. Marine Corps is benchmarking its supply-chain activities against… Wal-Mart. Hooray!” - Tom Peters, The Essentials Series: Talent
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34. Never arbitrarily promote someone to management based on performance or seniority. It takes the right strengths.
35. “ In an orchestra, you don’t automatically promote a great violinist to conductor. In football, most coaches were mediocre players at best. Only in business do we make the mistake of promoting the best performer to manager.” - Tom Peters
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39. Create an environment where people can exercise and build on their existing strengths.
45. “ Flex Your Knees Bill.” - Sam Jones’s “pep talk” to Bill Russell at the free throw line during the 1968 NBA Eastern Division Championship (Celtics vs. 76ers) Often, a gentle reminder is all that’s needed.