If you try to please everybody, somebody’s not going to like it.
DONALD RUMSFELDDon’t blame the boss. He has enough problems.
More Donald Rumsfeld Quotes
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If the staff lacks policy guidance against which to test decisions, their decisions will be random.
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Learn to say ‘I don’t know.’ If used when appropriate, it will be often.
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What you measure improves.” A corollary rule in the military is that “You get what you inspect, not what you expect.
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Enjoy your time in public service. It may well be one of the most interesting and challenging times of your life.
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Many people around the President have sizeable egos before entering government, some with good reason. Their new positions will do little to moderate their egos.
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With the press there is no ‘off the record.’
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Presidential leadership needn’t always cost money. Look for low- and no-cost options. They can be surprisingly effective.
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If you are not criticized, you may not be doing much.
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Agreement can always be reached by increasing the generality of the conclusion; when this is done, the form is generally preserved but only the illusion of policy is created.
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Don’t speak ill of your predecessors or successors. You didn’t walk in their shoes.
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Be able to resign. It will improve your value to the President and do wonders for your performance.
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If in doubt, don’t. If still in doubt, do what’s right.
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Whatever your position, reach out to those who know more than you do, and have been around longer than you have. Find those people. Listen carefully. And learn.
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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.
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Don’t necessarily avoid sharp edges. Occasionally they are necessary to leadership.
DONALD RUMSFELD







