As managers and leaders, we have all faced a room of direct reports who do not believe in the task they have just been assigned.  It could be a big change from normal operating procedure.  It could be one more major project added during crunch time.  It could be something entirely new.  How would you get the group to move forward?

Anne Sweeney, co-chair, Disney Media Networks and president, Disney-ABC Television Group, offers her Rule No. 1 (Fortune, Sept. 29, 2008): Assume Failing is Impossible.

The corollary to this point: "What would you do if you knew you could not fail?"  These perspectives, according to Sweeney, speaks to big dreams and innovation.  Of challenging yourself and pushing to create what's next.  It's the kind of advice that forces you to take risks.

She further adds: "Take the job that scares you--it has the most to teach you.  Deliver bad news first--so we can dive in and figure out the solution.  Embrace your choices-you must own the ones you make."