1) Cisco has done several things to distinguish themselves from the competition and gain a clear competitive advantage. First and foremost, John Morgridge created a positive working environment. When Lerner was demanding to be involved in day-to-day management decisions and creating constant tension because of her "disdain for managers," she was soon bought out after the IPO in 1990 (pg 2). Similarly, there was a "minimal hierarchy" within the company. Employees were treated as equals and no one was given any extra perks. …