i Introduction 9 ntroduCtion "The average American attention span is that of a ferret on a double espresso." --Dennis Miller, comedian A while back, I was conducting a training session for a group of female executives, handpicked by the CEO to launch their company's new division. The meeting was called a "Lunch Launch," though, as I would find out only too late, that meant bring your own. In any case, the women paraded in with their sandwiches, salads, Diet Cokes, and bags of chips, chatting cordially as they set up their food. They seemed civilized enough. But as soon as the group "leader" stood up and opened her mouth, I quickly learned this meeting was to be anything but. Her blue eyes bulging--almost cartoon-like--she looked at me and launched her agenda. "I don't know what you're planning to do here today, but I have an agenda," she began. "And we have to get all this done," she continued. "And I'd 9