Don't 'over-control' like a novice pilot. Stay loose enough from the flow that you can observe it, modify, and improve it.

Control your time. If you're working off your in-box, you're working off the priorities of others. Be sure the staff is working on what you move to them from the President, or the President will be reacting, not leading.

Enjoy your time in public service. It may well be one of the most interesting and challenging times of your life.

When cutting staff at the Pentagon, don't eliminate the thin layer that assures civilian control.

Don't say 'the White House wants.' Buildings can't want.

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.

We're not running out of [fixed] targets. Afghanistan is.