The exceptional seven and the traits that defined them -- Place the customer at the epicenter of the business model : Michael Dell and the art of the customer -- Create an authentic learning organization : how Jack Welch converts learning into results -- Focus on solutions : Lou Gerstner on creating a customer-obsessed IBM -- Prepare the organization for drastic change : Andy Grove on strategic inflection points -- Harness the intellect of every employee : Bill Gates on creating a knowledge-based organization -- Create a performance-driven culture : Herb Kelleher on the importance of creating a family-like culture -- Learn from competitors, but remain faithful to the vision : how Sam Walton's vision created the world's largest company.