22 Brilliant Insights On How To Succeed In Business From T. Boone Pickens

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A plan without action is not a plan. It's a speech.

A plan without action is not a plan. It's a speech.

Source: BoonePickens.com

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Chief executives who themselves own few shares of their companies have no more feeling for the shareholders than they do for baboons in Africa.

Chief executives who themselves own few shares of their companies have no more feeling for the shareholders than they do for baboons in Africa.

Source: BoonePickens.com

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In a deal between friends, there's no place for a wolverine.

In a deal between friends, there's no place for a wolverine.

Source: BoonePickens.com

"I once told a friend, "This is the kind of market that builds character." He looked at me and said, "If it gets any worse, you'll have more character than Abe Lincoln."

"I once told a friend, "This is the kind of market that builds character." He looked at me and said, "If it gets any worse, you'll have more character than Abe Lincoln."

Source: BoonePickens.com

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When you blow away the foam, you get down to the real stuff.

When you blow away the foam, you get down to the real stuff.

Source: BoonePickens.com

When you are young, fitness is a sport. As you grow older, it's a necessity.

When you are young, fitness is a sport. As you grow older, it's a necessity.

Source: BoonePickens.com

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If you are going to run with the big dogs, you have to get out from under the porch.

If you are going to run with the big dogs, you have to get out from under the porch.

Source: BoonePickens.com

Be willing to make decisions. That's the most important quality in a good leader. Don't fall victim to what I call the “ready-aim-aim-aim-aim” syndrome. You must be willing to fire.

Be willing to make decisions. That's the most important quality in a good leader. Don't fall victim to what I call the “ready-aim-aim-aim-aim” syndrome. You must be willing to fire.

Source: BoonePickens.com

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Far too many executives have become more concerned with the “four P’s” — pay, perks, power and prestige — rather than making profits for shareholders.

Far too many executives have become more concerned with the “four P’s” — pay, perks, power and prestige — rather than making profits for shareholders.

Source: BoonePickens.com

Keep things informal. Talking is the natural way to do business. Writing is great for keeping records and putting down details, but talk generates ideas. Great things come from our luncheon meetings, which consist of a sandwich, a cup of soup, and a good idea or two. No martinis.

Keep things informal. Talking is the natural way to do business. Writing is great for keeping records and putting down details, but talk generates ideas. Great things come from our luncheon meetings, which consist of a sandwich, a cup of soup, and a good idea or two. No martinis.

Source: BoonePickens.com

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I have always believed that it's important to show a new look periodically. Predictability can lead to failure.

I have always believed that it's important to show a new look periodically. Predictability can lead to failure.

Source: BoonePickens.com

Work eight hours and sleep eight hours, and make sure that they are not the same eight hours.

Work eight hours and sleep eight hours, and make sure that they are not the same eight hours.

Source: BoonePickens.com

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"If you’re on the right side of the issue, just keep driving until you hear glass breaking. Don’t quit."

"If you’re on the right side of the issue, just keep driving until you hear glass breaking. Don’t quit."

Source: BoonePickens.com

The thing where you throw the ball and catch the ball — that’s a pretty neat trick. I’ve done it a few times, but it’s not something you can do consistently.

The thing where you throw the ball and catch the ball — that’s a pretty neat trick. I’ve done it a few times, but it’s not something you can do consistently.

Source: BoonePickens.com

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Work hard. Come early, stay late. That’s the way leadership has to approach it.

Work hard. Come early, stay late. That’s the way leadership has to approach it.

Source: BoonePickens.com

Fight your way out of corners. I play pretty good off the wall.

Fight your way out of corners. I play pretty good off the wall.

Source: BoonePickens.com

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Everything here happens fast. There isn't any standing around or looking at your watch.

Everything here happens fast. There isn't any standing around or looking at your watch.

Source: BoonePickens.com

I learned early on that you play by the rules. It’s no fun if you cheat to win.

I learned early on that you play by the rules. It’s no fun if you cheat to win.

Source: BoonePickens.com

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"When you are hunting elephants, don’t get distracted chasing rabbits."

"When you are hunting elephants, don’t get distracted chasing rabbits."

Source: BoonePickens.com

We’re flexible, quick on our feet and able to get the job done.

We’re flexible, quick on our feet and able to get the job done.

Source: BoonePickens.com

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You win with a team, and I'm a good team builder.

You win with a team, and I'm a good team builder.

Source: BoonePickens.com

Show me a good loser and I’ll show you a loser.

Show me a good loser and I’ll show you a loser.

Source: BoonePickens.com

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Now find out what life is like at other hedge funds...

Now find out what life is like at other hedge funds...

19 Awesome Perks For Workers At Hedge Funds >