I was recently asked the following question by the President of a local company:

“How can I encourage open and honest communication within my company?” The simple answer is -

 Create the culture for it.
 Model it.
 Reinforce it.
 Recognize it.
 Reward it.

If you’re serious about open and honest communication, you must live it consistently, and reprimand where it’s not reinforced, recognized and rewarded.

“I have always been more afraid of failing than hopeful of success.” (Samuel Johnson)

“A reputation for success tends to be self-fulfilling. Equally, failure feeds on itself.” (Henry Kissinger)

“Knowing what you want is the first step to getting it.” (Louise Hart)