Thanks so much for the feedback, Mike! I do agree with your remarks. What I'd also like to get leaders (current and future) thinking about is that it's up to them to break the system. As you say, "some pinnacles can't be achieved any other way," and that's because the system has instituted achievement as such. Systems are great -- don't get me wrong, I'm a big systems person myself -- but staid and unchallenged systems are a danger to both progress and retaining a competitive edge. I'd like to hear more about how leaders push their systems to change...which might even be to the detriment of their own power. Then, of course, the discussion becomes about is the pinnacle about true leadership or power. Oh boy, that's a hot potato!