Your performance depends on your people. Select the best, train them and back them. When errors occur, give sharper guidance. If errors persist or if the fit feels wrong, help them move on. The country cannot afford amateur hour in the White House.

Remember where you came from.

Preserve the President's options. He may need them.

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

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

Don't blame the boss. He has enough problems.

The implication that there was something wrong with the war plan is amusing.