♦ UPDATE: Learn about companies that are applying this timeless advice today. A version of this article appeared in the July–August 2008 issue of Harvard Business Review. James L. Heskett is a Baker ...

Julia Kagan is a financial/consumer journalist and former senior editor, personal finance, of Investopedia. Samantha (Sam) Silberstein, CFP®, CSLP®, EA, is an experienced financial consultant. She has ...

Jason Fernando is a professional investor and writer who enjoys tackling and communicating complex business and financial problems. David Kindness is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and an expert ...