“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.

You can’t be that good; you work for me.

I think that in any group activity – whether it be business, sports, or family – there has to be leadership or it won’t be successful.

Lead with your actions, not through your title.

Leadership is the capacity to translate vision into reality.

Political judgment is the ability to hear the distant hoofbeats of the horse of history.

A coach is someone who can give correction without causing resentment.

Lead by example and the rest will follow.

Your leadership is always moving in the direction of your strongest thought.