Check out Fortune magazine (May 12, 2008) where some of today's top leaders reveal some of the best, and worst, advice they ever received.  Some of that advice:

• First, always ask for the order; and second, when the customer says yes, stop talking.  Michael Bloomberg, Mayor of New York City.
• It's hard to look smart with bad numbers.  Focus on the underlying substance because there's no way to hide poor performance.  Mark Hurd, Chairman and CEO, Hewlett-Packard.
• Whatever anyone says or does, assume positive intent.  You don't get defensive.  You are trying to listen and understand.  When you assume the negative intent, you are angry and don't hear.  Indra Nooyi, Chairman and CEO, Pepsico.
• The most effective leaders do not make themselves the center of attention.  They are respectful; they listen.  Sam Palmisano, Chairman and CEO, IBM.
• Don't spend your time on things you can't control.  Instead, spend your time thinking about what you can.  Thomas S. Murphy, former CEO, Capital Cities/ABC.
• Get sales up and keep expenses down.  Nelson Peltz, CEO, Trian Fund Management.
• Spend a ton of time with your customers, especially when you are new.  Ask them how you compare to competitors, how is your service, what do they think of your products.  Charlene Begley, President and CEO, GE Enterprise Solutions.
• Your career is long and the business world is small.  Always act with integrity.  Joanna Shields, President, BEBO.com.
• Don't panic.  Be wary of emotion clouding your judgement.  Elon Musk, Founder and CEO, Spacex.
• Stand guard at the door of your mind.  The selection of your friends and advisors matters more than anything else.  Tony Robbins, Performance Coach.

Some words to consider as you manage and lead your own organization.