“Always show more kindness than seems necessary, because the person receiving it needs it more than you will ever know.”

An organization that is not facing up to people who are not getting the job done, is going to have difficulties.

Don’t just count your days, make your days count.

One important element of leadership is taking care of the troops.

Don’t be afraid to challenge the pros, even in their own backyard.

I regret that the presentation I made at the UN turned out to be wrong. It was wrong on the stockpiles of weapons of mass destruction, but pretty much right on intentions and capabilities.

Always be looking for the opportunities, and always be optimistic about what you can do with that opportunity.

The essence of leadership is building bonds of trust in your organization.

Maybe we don’t put our young people in situations often enough where they’re allowed to fail. When you fail you gain experience, and with enough experience, you don’t fail as often.

Every organization should tolerate rebels who tell the emperor he has no clothes.

But just as they did in Philadelphia when they were writing the constitution, sooner or later, you’ve got to compromise. You’ve got to start making the compromises that arrive at a consensus and move the country forward.

The freedom to do your best means nothing unless you are willing to do your best.

You know you’re a good leader when people follow you out of curiosity.

Never neglect details. When everyone’s mind is dulled or distracted the leader must be doubly vigilant.

The most important thing I learned is that soldiers watch what their leaders do. You can give them classes and lecture them forever, but it is your personal example they will follow.

First you train the followers to accomplish the mission. Second, you resource them: Make sure that they have the tools to do the job. Third, you reward them: You give them medals or bonuses.

Look for intelligence and judgment and, most critically, a capacity to anticipate, to see around corners. Also look for loyalty, integrity, a high energy drive, a balanced ego and the drive to get things done.

Nice guys may appear to finish last, but usually they are running a different race.

Choose kindness over aggression.

It is our care for the helpless, our practice of loving kindness, that brands us in the eyes of those who oppose us.

Kind words do not cost much. Yet they accomplish much.

It really doesn’t cost anything to be nice, and the rewards can be unimaginable

Kindness, kindness, kindness. I want to make a New Year’s prayer, not a resolution. I’m praying for courage.

When you touch – don’t take. Touch people only when you are giving something – reassurance, support, encouragement, whatever

When the days are too short, chances are you are living at your best.