Curiosity
Always be learning. You want to have big ears. To listen, to learn, and to always be curious. To be open to ambiguity. Design your company from the customer back.
Data
Use facts and data to make decisions. Be objective and humble and willing to change your mind if the facts and data suggest that’s what is needed. The scientific method works in business.
Commitment
Commitment, drive, grit, determination, perseverance, indomitable will—you must have these qualities.
Humility
Try never to be the smartest person in the room. Surround yourself with people who challenge you, teach you, inspire you, and push you to be your best. And learn to recognize and appreciate people’s different talents.
Integrity
Trustworthiness, ethics, and integrity are paramount. You can’t be successful over time without these values. Markets are long-term efficient.
Change
The rate of change is only increasing. It will not slow down in the future.
You must change or die. There are only the quick and the dead. Organizations need to constantly reimagine themselves, understanding and anticipating all the factors, including and especially technology, that will impact them in the future.
Execution
Ideas are a commodity. Execution of them is not. Coming up with a great idea or strategy is necessary but not sufficient for success. You must execute. This requires detailed operational discipline and understanding.
Teamwork
Teams win championships, not players. Always put the team ahead of the player.
Failure
Success is a horrible teacher. Setbacks and failures make you stronger over time—if you let yourself learn from them.
Life is about taking a punch, falling down, getting back up and fighting again!
Crisis
Never let a good crisis go to waste—and if there is no crisis, create one (as a way of motivating change and progress). During a crisis—or any other time—focus on what you can control. Crises often create new opportunities. Instead of wallowing in your problems, find the opportunity.
Determination
Don’t be a victim, ever. Victimhood is a losing mindset. Self-determination requires focusing on what you can control and drive forward.
Confidence
Confidence, not arrogance. Humility, not ego.
Anger
Everybody gets angry. But don’t stay angry. Anger is counterproductive. Instead, be motivated by a desire to help others and . . . Love, Family, Country, Compassion, and Mastery.
Kaizen
Be pleased but never satisfied. This means improving continuously—the Japanese call it kaizen. It means being in a race with no finish line. Celebrate and appreciate achievements, but always look ahead to the next big goal or opportunity.
Risk
Be willing to take risks, experiment, and test things. As the rate of change increases, small experiments will build a path to success.
Character
Humility, openness, fairness, and authenticity.
Have respect for others and treat them as you want to be treated.
Optimism . . . obviously! Finding ways to grow optimism in yourself will make you much happier.
Find purpose and passion in your life by being part of something greater than yourself.