Be intolerant of those who try to make the company and the mission about themselves. This selfishness is darkness. If you do not cut it out, it will destroy. Every company will be faced with individuals that will bring this darkness. It is part of human nature, so you cannot prevent it. However, the successful leader will recognize this negative force and confront it with courage. Often these people have leverage, relationships, or tendrils around the company which gives them perceived power. It is easy to try to placate these people. Do not. If not removed, or transformed, they will destroy your company.

As you are on the journey of developing your company or engineering a deal, you must be conscious of your own balance. Whether deflated or overly enthusiastic – neither of these is real. You are out of balance because something inside of you is unrecognized. It may be your desire for success, your fear of failure, your lack of humility, your gluttony for power, fame, and money, or many other things. Here is the point where you discover yourself as you navigate your business. To achieve this insight takes great resolve and honesty with one’s self.