“Presidential leadership needn’t always cost money. Look for low- and no-cost options. They can be surprisingly effective.”

Think ahead. Don’t let day-to-day operations drive out planning.

It is easier to get into something than to get out of it.

The way to do well is to do well.

Treat each federal dollar as if it was hard earned; it was – by a taxpayer.

What you measure improves.” A corollary rule in the military is that “You get what you inspect, not what you expect.

You go to war with the army you have, not the army you might want or wish to have at a later time.

If it were a fact, it wouldn’t be called intelligence.

If in doubt, move decisions up to the President.

Preserve the President’s options. He may need them.

Let’s stick something in the ground and not pretend that it’s perfect.

Don’t speak ill of your predecessors or successors. You didn’t walk in their shoes.

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.

If we know anything, it is that weakness is provocative.

Don’t blame the boss. He has enough problems.

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.

Those who made the decisions with imperfect knowledge will be judged in hindsight by those with considerably more information at their disposal and time for reflection.

One of the fundamental aspects of leadership, I realized more and more, is the ability to instill confidence in others when you yourself are feeling insecure.

Leadership is not a popularity contest; it’s about leaving your ego at the door. The name of the game is to lead without a title.

The length of life takes the leading place among inquiries about events following birth.

Thoughts will lead you in circles. Silence will bring you back to your centre.

To never forget that the most important thing in life is the quality of life we lead.

Small daily improvements over time lead to stunning results.

Times of upheaval require not just more leadership but more leaders. People at all organizational levels, whether anointed or self-appointed, must be empowered to share leadership responsibilities.

Become the leader of your life. Lead yourself to where you want to be. Breathe life back into your ambitions, your desires, your goals, your relationships.