The Knowledge, Skills and Abilities of Leading companies:

1. Leading companies have vision and courage. They look at reality through the eyes of their customers and their employees to see an image of success that they constantly update, share and promote. This vision, leaders courageously express and work diligently to make it a reality in spite of impossible odds. Also, leaders know how to build upon and sustain a vision that preceded them.

2. Recognize that there are few "born leaders." Leaders study winning. Leaders study other leaders that they admire and develop their own definition of a "good leader." They know and understand that leadership is the act of clearly evaluating the situation, identifying opportunities, setting goals based on those opportunities and then developing tactics and strategies that inspire motivate and enabling their teams to put the plans into action.

3. Leaders communicate well. Along with effectively presenting themselves, leading companies know their product, their strengths and their weaknesses. And they know their competition just as well.

4. Leading companies collaborate and cooperate. They understand the entire picture as well as common passions and fears. They have high expectations and provide accurate information to foster understanding and to maintain trust and confidence. Leading companies reach out to others for support and assistance, build partnerships, secure resources, and share credit for success and accomplishments. Leading companies sell the category as hard as they sell themselves. Leading companies give back to the world, their community and their staff.

5. Leaders persevere and take the long view. Leaders build organization and teams that endure. They "stay the course," maintain their focus, anticipate and work to overcome resistance. They create capacity within the organization to achieve and sustain the vision.

6. Leading companies support, develop and nurture. They set standards for ethical behavior. They seek diverse perspectives and alternative points-of-view. They encourage initiative, innovation, collaboration, and a strong work ethic.

7. Leading companies embrace and adhere to comprehensive planning that improves the organization. They use data to determine the present state of the organization, identify root-cause problems, propose solutions, and validate accomplishments. And they measure their effectiveness.

8. Leading companies ask questions and seek answers. They never stop learning and honing their skills. They are introspective and reflective and practice team inquiry.

9. Leading companies have the courage to take "informed risks." They embrace informed, planned change and recognize that everyone may not support it. They work to win support and are willing to take action in support of their vision even in the face of opposition and pressure.

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