Smart people need a fool to lead them, it makes easy win: Alibaba's Jack Ma

'Do not focus on your competitors, focus on your customers.'

Jack Ma, co-founder of Alibaba Group Holding Ltd., announced on Monday his plans for stepping down from the e-commerce giant and handing over responsibilities to senior management. Since founding the company in 1999 with 17 other people in Hangzhou, China, Ma has become the distinctive face of the company -- and through its success, the country’s technology industry.
 
He’s dispensed Yoda-like wisdom over the years that have made him a role model in China and the subject of dozens of books. Here is a sampling:
 
On his leadership approach:

"Intelligent people need a fool to lead them.