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

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

Test ideas in the marketplace. You learn from hearing a range of perspectives. Consultation helps engender the support decisions need to be successfully implemented.

A few. . . critics are the only people I ever heard use the phrase 'imminent threat.' I didn't, the president didn't.

Freedom's untidy, and free people are free to make mistakes and commit crimes and do bad things.

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.

Presidential leadership needn't always cost money. Look for low- and no-cost options. They can be surprisingly effective.