Donald Rumsfeld Quotes - 9quotes.com

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Visit with your predecessors from previous Administrations. They know the ropes and can help you see around some corners. Try to make original mistakes, rather than needlessly repeating theirs.
Written by Donald Rumsfeld
In the execution of Presidential decisions work to be true to his views, in fact and tone.
Written by Donald Rumsfeld
Learn to say 'I don't know.' If used when appropriate, it will be often.
Written by Donald Rumsfeld
If you foul up, tell the President and correct it fast. Delay only compounds mistakes.
Written by Donald Rumsfeld
Be precise. A lack of precision is dangerous when the margin of error is small.
Written by Donald Rumsfeld
Preserve the President's options. He may need them.
Written by Donald Rumsfeld
It is easier to get into something than to get out of it.
Written by Donald Rumsfeld
Don't divide the world into 'them' and 'us.' Avoid infatuation with or resentment of the press, the Congress, rivals, or opponents. Accept them as facts. They have their jobs and you have yours.
Written by Donald Rumsfeld
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.
Written by Donald Rumsfeld
Don't say 'the White House wants.' Buildings can't want.
Written by Donald Rumsfeld
Leave the President's family business to him. You will have plenty to do without trying to manage the First Family. They are likely to do fine without your help.
Written by Donald Rumsfeld
Make decisions about the President's personal security. He can overrule you, but don't ask him to be the one to counsel caution.
Written by Donald Rumsfeld
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.
Written by Donald Rumsfeld
Don't speak ill of your predecessors or successors. You didn't walk in their shoes.
Written by Donald Rumsfeld
Don't blame the boss. He has enough problems.
Written by Donald Rumsfeld
Enjoy your time in public service. It may well be one of the most interesting and challenging times of your life.
Written by 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.
Written by Donald Rumsfeld
Let your family, staff, and friends know that you're still the same person, despite all the publicity and notoriety that accompanies your position.
Written by Donald Rumsfeld
When asked for your views, by the press or others, remember that what they really want to know is the President's views.
Written by Donald Rumsfeld
Be yourself. Follow your instincts. Success depends, at least in part, on the ability to 'carry it off.'
Written by Donald Rumsfeld
Know that the amount of criticism you receive may correlate somewhat to the amount of publicity you receive.
Written by Donald Rumsfeld
If you are not criticized, you may not be doing much.
Written by Donald Rumsfeld
Be able to resign. It will improve your value to the President and do wonders for your performance.
Written by Donald Rumsfeld
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.
Written by Donald Rumsfeld
You will launch many projects, but have time to finish only a few. So think, plan, develop, launch and tap good people to be responsible. Give them authority and hold them accountable. Trying to do too much yourself creates a bottleneck.
Written by Donald Rumsfeld
Think ahead. Don't let day-to-day operations drive out planning.
Written by Donald Rumsfeld
Plan backwards as well as forward. Set objectives and trace back to see how to achieve them. You may find that no path can get you there. Plan forward to see where your steps will take you, which may not be clear or intuitive.
Written by Donald Rumsfeld
When you raise issues with the President, try to come away with both that decision and also a precedent. Pose issues so as to evoke broader policy guidance. This can help to answer a range of similar issues likely to arise later.
Written by Donald Rumsfeld
See that the President, the Cabinet and staff are informed. If cut out of the information flow, their decisions may be poor, not made, or not confidently or persuasively implemented.
Written by Donald Rumsfeld
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.
Written by Donald Rumsfeld

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