quotes: December 2003 Archives

Human relationships are about communicating. Business jargon should be banished in favour of simple English (or French or Spanish or Chinese or whatever). Simplicity is a sign of truth and a criterion of beauty. Complexity can be a way of hiding the truth.

-- Helena Rubinstein, CEO, www.labgroup.com

Theories of management don't much matter. Endeavors succeed or fail because of the people involved. Too often, people are assumed to be empty chess pieces to be moved around by grand viziers, which may explain why so many top managers immerse their calendar time in deal making, restructuring and the latest management fad. How many immerse themselves in the goal of creating an environment where the best, the brightest, the most creative are attracted, retained and, most importantly, unleashed?

-- General Colin Powell

The only cats worth anything are the cats that take chances. Sometimes I play things I never heard myself.

-- Thelonious Monk