Arguments of convenience lack integrity and inevitably trip you up.

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

Oh, Lord. I didn't mean to say anything quotable.

It isn't making mistakes that's critical; it's correcting them and getting on with the principal task.

Most of the 50 or so invitations you receive each week come from people inviting the President's Chief of Staff, not you. If you doubt that, ask your predecessor how many he received last week.

Don't divide the world into 'them' and 'us.' Avoid infatuation with or resentment of the press, the Congress, rivals, or opponents. Accept them as facts. They have their jobs and you have yours.

See that the President, the Cabinet and staff are informed. If cut out of the information flow, their decisions may be poor, not made, or not confidently or persuasively implemented.