Howard Cosell "tells it like it is," regardless of the consequences for himself and others. Tact is not in his vocabulary. Like his namesake, he always has an opinion, and he won't hesitate to give it -- whether you've asked him or not.

IT people are the most forthright people I know, but if you want to become CIO, think before you talk. I'm not saying you should become a yes man, but don't blurt out your first reaction.

Put yourself into your listeners' shoes, and be cognizant of how they will hear what you say. Learn to match your comments to the audience and gauge how you can have the most impact.

The One-Trick Pony has developed an expertise in one specialty that is unquestioned and revered. But he refuses to learn something new for fear that he won't be able to dominate.

Entrance into the executive washroom requires that you transform yourself from a specialist to a generalist. The One-Trick Pony can't do it.