It was a big step away from pure, basic research, sniffed some dons, but Friend argued it was the best way to drive his technology to market and fund improvements in the basic science along the way.

FORBES: Seeing the Light

Outside the U.S., Amex has taken a step away from its closed loop model where it issues its own credit cards and also acts as the acquirer for merchants accepting the card.

FORBES: Quick Take

It takes considerable courage for anyone to step away from the power bestowed upon them by a position, as well as the trappings that come with it.

CNN: Pope Benedict shows true leadership by resigning

And since it involves no government money, it keeps the administration a step away from being accused of a bailout.

FORBES: Magazine Article

In terms of workplace innovation the Kinect appeals to consumers-as-employees because it is one more step along the road away from text-based screen life.

FORBES: Why XBox Kinect is More Important Than Apple's iPad

It is easy for a brand to step away from such a big spend by citing the distraction of the second screen, which is a valid concern should the brand not commit itself to recognize that the person watching the Super Bowl has a device (cell phone, tablet, etc.) in his or her hand.

FORBES: Is It Worth Spending $4 Million On A Super Bowl Commercial?

When Jason Kidd announced Monday that he was walking away from basketball, he made it sound like his next step was clear.

WSJ: Jason Kidd, New York Knicks: Jason Kidd Retires

Facebook does have a privacy safeguard in place in that you have to approve the content before it shows up on your profile page, but this is yet another step away from being a closed social network where your choices about who you friend determine your experience there.

FORBES: Facebook Finally Helps Users Avoid Being Tagged in Embarrassing Photos, But Also Expands Who Can Tag