We live in a society obsessed with public opinion. But leadership has never been about popularity.

I forgot to shake hands and be friendly. It was an important lesson about leadership.

To have long term success as a coach or in any position of leadership, you have to be obsessed in some way.

Leadership has a harder job to do than just choose sides. It must bring sides together.

Character matters leadership descends from character.

I'm sad to report that in the past few years, ever since uncertainty became our insistent 21st century companion, leadership has taken a great leap backwards to the familiar territory of command and control.

In our system leadership is by consent, not command. To lead a President must persuade. Personal contacts and experiences help shape his thinking. They can be critical to his persuasiveness and thus to his leadership.

The secret to understanding me is, I'm not trying to be anybody other than who I actually am. People want candid, refreshing leadership. And I've always tried to go with solutions. You know, I've always tried to say, here's how we get our economy growing, here's why we get our debt under control. That's what Mitt Romney is offering.

What's missing is leadership in the White House. And the story that Barack Obama does tell, forever shifting blame to the last administration, is getting old. The man assumed office almost four years ago - isn't it about time he assumed responsibility?

My philosophy of leadership is to surround myself with good people who have ability, judgment and knowledge, but above all, a passion for service.