Every president when he is elected has to live with the pluses and minuses his predecessor leaves, which includes benefits as well as burdens.

NATO member states vary dramatically in their capability and in their political steadfastness.

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

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

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.

The way to do well is to do well.

Have a deputy and develop a successor. Don't be consumed by the job or you'll risk losing your balance. Keep your mooring lines to the outside world - family, friends, neighbors, people out of government, and people who may not agree with you.