You go to war with the army you have, not the army you might want or wish to have at a later time.
DONALD RUMSFELDDon’t necessarily avoid sharp edges. Occasionally they are necessary to leadership.
More Donald Rumsfeld Quotes
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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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The way to do well is to do well.
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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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Don’t speak ill of your predecessors or successors. You didn’t walk in their shoes.
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There are a lot of people who lie and get away with it, and that’s just a fact.
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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.
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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.
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If you develop rules, never have more than ten.
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First rule of politics: you can’t win unless you’re on the ballot. Second rule: If you run, you may lose. And, if you tie, you do not win.
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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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It isn’t making mistakes that’s critical; it’s correcting them and getting on with the principal task.
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Let your family, staff, and friends know that you’re still the same person, despite all the publicity and notoriety that accompanies your position.
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There are known knowns, things we know that we know; and there are known unknowns, things that we know we don’t know. But there are also unknown unknowns, things we do not know we don’t know.
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Preserve the President’s options. He may need them.
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Every day is filled with numerous opportunities for serious error. Enjoy it.
DONALD RUMSFELD