The preceding examples show noteworthy executive successes and failures. But while reading about individuals doing their jobs poorly or well might be interesting, it is much more useful to discover what it is that these successful individuals have in common. It is through that analysis that a pattern can be discerned and useful insights gained.

Each of the recounted stories involved executives facing entirely different problems. But regardless of the topic, the successful leaders arrived at their solution through the effective application of certain cognitive skills. This is the common thread that we have been searching for. And once we realize that there is a commonality in the ...

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