Management is a teaching and a planning function. You don’t rule; you organize, you coordinate, orchestrate, scheme, and occasionally manipulate. And don’t be dismissive about “company politics”—the politics that you need to know and use are not for superficial, back-slapping, backroom connivers. Politics in this context deals with positioning and best utilizing resources. You need to understand and use direct and indirect influence within political systems in an organization to get things done. Most decisions that affect the organization are made when you’re not around, by people on whom you are relying. You should train, support and direct these people well, in a manner which they will accept and to which they will respond positively.

. . . Life is not about getting knocked down, it’s about getting up. Character is built partially through managing setbacks. The only way to have a clean football jersey is to ride the bench; get in the fray, take a shot or two. Bruises are badges of honor.

Richard G. Couch ’79 (M.B.A.), Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Principal of Diablo Management Group, Distinguished Alumnus Award (Simon School ceremony)