"We work smarter and harder."

Really… We had some luck.

Everybody works harder and smarter, if you listen to them. The people who do become successful deify themselves with the "ability to recognize opportunities" when they are in front of them. If this were true, these people would be able to succeed over and over again, but most can't… why? Well, luck happens! Who can predict how to be 'in the right place at the right time with the right idea'? No one can. I think that, most things being equal, 'lady luck' contributes much more to high-tech success than people admit. Many people give themselves far too much credit for their success; they seem to forget important contributions from their peers, situations, environment, economic situation… and Lady Luck.

"You can achieve anything you want."

Why do only the people who have 'made it' say this? I've never talked to a survivor of a failed company or product development effort who says this; and there are many.

"We are an innovative company."

Ask them to define 'innovation' and then demonstrate that they are innovative… and watch 'em dance.