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

Many people around the President have sizeable egos before entering government, some with good reason. Their new positions will do little to moderate their egos.

If you foul up, tell the President and correct it fast. Delay only compounds mistakes.

Make decisions about the President's personal security. He can overrule you, but don't ask him to be the one to counsel caution.

Be able to resign. It will improve your value to the President and do wonders for your performance.

Five days or five months, but it certainly isn't going to last longer.

When business accepts help from the government, it can be like going to bed with a hippopotamus. It's nice and warm for the moment, but then your bedmate rolls over and crushes you.