It is not possible to rule out anything because we don't know what will happen.

You need to learn what people have done, but you need to learn where they have failed... Usually when they fail it is in the execution.

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

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

Baghdad fell on April 9, 2003, Hussein and his regime were brought down, we declared "Mission Accomplished" and celebrated victory . . . and chaos erupted. We did not assert control and authority over the country, especially Baghdad. We did not bring with us the capacity to impose our will. We did not take charge. And Iraq did not in a few weeks magically transform itself into a stable nation with democratic leaders. Instead a raging insurgency engulfed the country.

Another rule I have is: Don't let your ego get tied up in a policy dispute. Otherwise, if things don't go your way, you can end up breaking a relationship with somebody with whom you can't afford to break.

Great leaders are those who are able to look reality in the face, however painful it may be, and deal with it.