In his book, "Leadership Secrets of the World's Most Successful CEOs: 100 Top Executives Reveal the Management Strategies That Made Their Companies Great," Eric Yaverbaum interviews CEOs about their keys to successful leadership. Although both the author and most CEOs agree that there are no secrets, Yaverbaum identifies 15 top leadership strategies from his collection of interviews, six of which are listed in the article:

• Have a clear vision. Focus on two or three things most important to it. Communicate it to everyone involved.
• Listen to others, particularly those closest to the customers and the marketplace.
• Make the lives of your employees and customers better, easier and more rewarding.
• Lead by example. Take responsibility. Make tough decisions.
• Constantly innovate to gain and sustain competitive advantage.
• Plan everything. Leave nothing to chance.