The freedom to do your best means nothing unless you are willing to do your best.

My responsibility, our responsibility as lucky Americans, is to try to give back to this country as much as it has given us, as we continue our American journey together.

Strategy equals execution. All the great ideas and visions in the world are worthless if they can't be implemented rapidly and efficiently. Good leaders delegate and empower others liberally, but they pay attention to details, every day.

Leadership is all about people. It is not about organizations. It is not about plans. It is not about strategies. It is all about people-motivating people to get the job done. You have to be people-centered.

Don't let adverse facts stand in the way of a good decision.

War should be the politics of last resort. And when we go to war, we should have a purpose that our people understand and support.

Being in charge sometimes means making people mad. Some days you have to overrule even the best advice, because you think it is not right.