How can any company know if its processes, products, people are safe? Only if everyone is watching and telling the truth. The first part can be assumed; the second cannot.

Most executives I know are so action-oriented, or action-addicted, that time for reflection is the first casualty of their success.

Once you have power, you are inevitably surrounded by people who have their own agendas and will tell you whatever advances them.

If the company depends entirely on you - your creativity, ingenuity, inspiration, salesmanship or charisma - nobody will want to buy it. The risk and the dependency are too great.

Those in powerless positions aren't about to complain about bullying bosses, abusive supervisors or corrupt co-workers. There is no safe way to do so and no process that promises redress.

Bosses and leaders everywhere should cherish the people who bring them bad news, disappointing data or hard problems.