Who are the top 100 thought leaders?

Marshall Goldsmith is listed as number 9 out of 100.

The gurus who make our Excellence 100 list today possess a rare combination of traits and abilities. Here are the eight criteria:

1) Preparation: academic and professional preparation.

2) Character: values, ethics, beliefs, purpose, mission, integrity, walk the talk.

3) Principles: big message, point of view, tenets, main points.

4) Personality: charisma, style, originality, authenticity, one of a kind.

5) Performance: inspiring action, real-world performance, work ethic.

6) Experience: beyond local and regional, more national and international.

7) Expression: substance and style in writing, speaking, coaching, consulting, mentoring, training, or teaching.

8) Influence: difference, results, change, transformation.

For 25 years, Leadership Excellence magazine has published the best and latest thinking on leadership. Again this year, the magazine has ranked the top thought leaders in management and leadership.

"Those who make our Excellence 100 list possess a rare combination of traits and abilities," says Ken Shelton, founding editor of Leadership Excellence. "They display both depth and breadth, local and global awareness, conceptual originality and practical experience with application, implementation and execution."

The annual ranking is based on these eight criteria:

1. Preparation: academic and professional preparation.
2. Character: values, ethics, beliefs, purpose, mission, integrity, walk the talk.
3. Principles: big message, point of view, tenets, main points.
4. Personality: charisma, style, originality, authenticity, one of a kind.
5. Performance: inspiring action, real-world performance, work ethic.
6. Experience: beyond local and regional, more national and international.
7. Influence: difference, results, change, transformation.
8. Expression: substance and style in writing, speaking, coaching, consulting, mentoring, training, or teaching.

Marshall writes about his experience with Peter Drucker as "A Simple and Humble Man". Tributes also from Frances Hesselbein, Phil Harkins, Tom Peters, Geoffrey Colvin, Michael G. Winston, L. Ara Norwood, Cornelis A. de Kluyver, Bob Nelson, and Rick Warren.

"A Simple and Humble Man" by Marshall Goldsmith, Executive coach and author

At one board meeting of the Peter Drucker Foundation, I asked Peter, "You have written much about mission-what is your mission?"

He replied, "To help other people achieve their goals-assuming that they are not immoral or unethical!"

Along with his brilliance, he was a simple and humble man who wanted to help others achieve their goals. He not only taught me about management, he taught me about life. By his example, he showed me the importance of loving what you do-and communicating this enthusiasm.

He loved his wife, family, friends, work, and life. His zest for living was always there-even at the end. I visited with Peter shortly before his death. He took the time to have a lively discussion about the state of the world and the future we face. I was amazed at his sense of history, his deep insight, his passion, and his caring. Peter Drucker did not just teach by what he wrote-he taught by who he was.