Don't
speak ill of your predecessors or successors. You didn't walk
in their shoes.
Donald Rumsfeld |
Don't
think of yourself as indispensable or infallible. As Charles
de Gaulle said, the cemeteries of the world are full of indispensable
men.
Donald Rumsfeld |
Enjoy
your time in public service. It may well be one of the most
interesting and challenging times of your life.
Donald Rumsfeld |
Find
ways to decentralize. Move decision-making authority down and
out. Encourage a more entrepreneurial approach.
Donald Rumsfeld |
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.
Donald Rumsfeld |
From
where you sit, the White House may look as untidy as the inside
of a stomach. As is said of the legislative process, sausage
making and policy making shouldn't be seen close-up. Don't let
that panic you. Things may be going better than they look from
the inside.
Donald Rumsfeld |
Have
a deputy and develop a successor. Don't be consumed by the job
or you'll risk losing your balance. Keep your mooring lines
to the outside world -- family, friends, neighbors, people out
of government and people who may not agree with you.
Donald Rumsfeld |
I
believe what I said yesterday. I don't know what I said, but
I know what I said, and
well, I assume it's what I said.
Donald Rumsfeld |
If
a prospective Presidential approach can't be explained clearly
enough to be understood well, it probably hasn't been thought
through well enough. If not well understood by the American
people, it probably won't "sail" anyway. Send it back
for further thought.
Donald Rumsfeld |
If
I know the answer I'll tell you the answer, and if I don't,
I'll just respond, cleverly.
Donald Rumsfeld |