We do have a saying in America: if you're in a hole, stop digging ..... erm, I'm not sure I should have said that.

Think ahead. Don't let day-to-day operations drive out planning.

Plan backwards as well as forward. Set objectives and trace back to see how to achieve them. You may find that no path can get you there. Plan forward to see where your steps will take you, which may not be clear or intuitive.

Learn to say 'I don't know.' If used when appropriate, it will be often.

In our system leadership is by consent, not command. To lead a President must persuade. Personal contacts and experiences help shape his thinking. They can be critical to his persuasiveness and thus to his leadership.

Sausage making and policy-making shouldn't be seen close-up.

If in doubt, move decisions up to the President.