ergophobe - 11:32 pm on Aug 6, 2002 (gmt 0)

Great article. May I add one thing?

Take responsibility, no matter how much it hurts. Let credit trickle down and complaints trickle up, but be careful about trying to let blame trickle down and credit trickle up (does that make sense?). If someone makes a mistake while making a good faith effort to carry out your instructions, that is your error. By denying that fact, you only undermine your credibility and the loyalty people will have towards you.

it must be the name Richard that sparks some sort of ingenuity and clarity

Sure, just look at Nixon!

Tom