Leadership is all about people … and getting the most out of people.

I regret that the presentation I made at the UN turned out to be wrong. It was wrong on the stockpiles of weapons of mass destruction, but pretty much right on intentions and capabilities.

Don't let your ego get too close to your position, so that if your position gets shot down, your ego doesn't go with it.

Decision-making is lonely.

I think you can improve on that natural ability with training and exposure to great leaders of the past and to management theories.

I went to graduate school as a lieutenant colonel after I had been in the army for 12 or 13 years. I learned so much from all the great management theorists. It gave me a greater understanding of my army experience and showed me the gaps in my knowledge.

Look for intelligence and judgment and, most critically, a capacity to anticipate, to see around corners. Also look for loyalty, integrity, a high energy drive, a balanced ego and the drive to get things done.