There are known knowns. These are things we know that we know. There are known unknowns. That is to say, there are things that we know we don't know. But there are also unknown unknowns. There are things we don't know we don't know.
If you are not criticized, you may not be doing much.
Be precise. A lack of precision is dangerous when the margin of error is small.
If in doubt, don't. If still in doubt, do what's right.
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.
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.
If it were a fact, it wouldn't be called intelligence.
Be yourself. Follow your instincts. Success depends, at least in part, on the ability to 'carry it off.'
Simply because you do not have evidence that something exists does not mean that you have evidence that it doesn't exist.
Our task, your task... is to try to connect the dots before something happens. People say, 'Well, where's the smoking gun?' Well, we don't want to see a smoking gun from a weapon of mass destruction.
In our system leadership is by consent, not command. To lead a President must persuade. Personal contacts and experiences help shape his thinking. They can be critical to his persuasiveness and thus to his leadership.
Don't necessarily avoid sharp edges. Occasionally they are necessary to leadership.
In politics, every day is filled with numerous opportunities for serious error. Enjoy it.
Enjoy your time in public service. It may well be one of the most interesting and challenging times of your life.
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.
Reduce the layers of management. They put distance between the top of an organization and the customers.
Don't be a bottleneck. If a matter is not a decision for the President or you, delegate it. Force responsibility down and out. Find problem areas, add structure and delegate. The pressure is to do the reverse. Resist it.
Don't blame the boss. He has enough problems.
If the staff lacks policy guidance against which to test decisions, their decisions will be random.
