Think ahead. Don't let day-to-day operations drive out planning.
— Donald Rumsfeld
Be able to resign. It will improve your value to the President and do wonders for your performance.
Be yourself. Follow your instincts. Success depends, at least in part, on the ability to 'carry it off.'
Don't think of yourself as indispensable or infallible. As Charles De Gaulle said, the cemeteries of the world are full of indispensable men.
Don't speak ill of your predecessors or successors. You didn't walk in their shoes.
Leave the President's family business to him. You will have plenty to do without trying to manage the First Family. They are likely to do fine without your help.
Don't divide the world into 'them' and 'us.' Avoid infatuation with or resentment of the press, the Congress, rivals, or opponents. Accept them as facts. They have their jobs and you have yours.
Be precise. A lack of precision is dangerous when the margin of error is small.
In the execution of Presidential decisions work to be true to his views, in fact and tone.
You will launch many projects, but have time to finish only a few. So think, plan, develop, launch and tap good people to be responsible. Give them authority and hold them accountable. Trying to do too much yourself creates a bottleneck.
If you are not criticized, you may not be doing much.
When asked for your views, by the press or others, remember that what they really want to know is the President's views.
Enjoy your time in public service. It may well be one of the most interesting and challenging times of your life.
The price of being close to the President is delivering bad news. You fail him if you don't tell him the truth. Others won't do it.
Don't say 'the White House wants.' Buildings can't want.
It is easier to get into something than to get out of it.
If you foul up, tell the President and correct it fast. Delay only compounds mistakes.
Visit with your predecessors from previous Administrations. They know the ropes and can help you see around some corners. Try to make original mistakes, rather than needlessly repeating theirs.
Your performance depends on your people. Select the best, train them and back them. When errors occur, give sharper guidance. If errors persist or if the fit feels wrong, help them move on. The country cannot afford amateur hour in the White House.
Know that the amount of criticism you receive may correlate somewhat to the amount of publicity you receive.
Let your family, staff, and friends know that you're still the same person, despite all the publicity and notoriety that accompanies your position.
Don't blame the boss. He has enough problems.
Make decisions about the President's personal security. He can overrule you, but don't ask him to be the one to counsel caution.
Amidst all the clutter, beyond all the obstacles, aside from all the static, are the goals set. Put your head down, do the best job possible, let the flak pass, and work towards those goals.
Preserve the President's options. He may need them.
Learn to say 'I don't know.' If used when appropriate, it will be often.
