Home
Authors
Tags
App

Get QuoteDark Inspirational Quotes App

" 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. "

Donald Rumsfeld
Related Quotes:
" Simply because you do not have evidence that something exists does not mean that you have evidence that it doesn't exist. "
Donald Rumsfeld
" If in doubt, move decisions up to the President. "
Donald Rumsfeld
" In the execution of Presidential decisions work to be true to his views, in fact and tone. "
Donald Rumsfeld
" Don't blame the boss. He has enough problems. "
Donald Rumsfeld
" If the staff lacks policy guidance against which to test decisions, their decisions will be random. "
Donald Rumsfeld
" Visit with your predecessors from previous Administrations. They know the ropes and can help you see around some corners. Try to make original mistakes, rather than needlessly repeating theirs. "
Donald Rumsfeld
" Death has a tendency to encourage a depressing view of war. "
Donald Rumsfeld
" 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. "
Donald Rumsfeld
" Enjoy your time in public service. It may well be one of the most interesting and challenging times of your life. "
Donald Rumsfeld
" Know that the amount of criticism you receive may correlate somewhat to the amount of publicity you receive. "
Donald Rumsfeld
" The price of being close to the President is delivering bad news. You fail him if you don't tell him the truth. Others won't do it. "
Donald Rumsfeld
" It isn't making mistakes that's critical; it's correcting them and getting on with the principal task. "
Donald Rumsfeld
" When you raise issues with the President, try to come away with both that decision and also a precedent. Pose issues so as to evoke broader policy guidance. This can help to answer a range of similar issues likely to arise later. "
Donald Rumsfeld
" Presidential leadership needn't always cost money. Look for low- and no-cost options. They can be surprisingly effective. "
Donald Rumsfeld
" Many people around the President have sizeable egos before entering government, some with good reason. Their new positions will do little to moderate their egos. "
Donald Rumsfeld
" It is easier to get into something than to get out of it. "
Donald Rumsfeld
" Treat each federal dollar as if it was hard earned; it was - by a taxpayer. "
Donald Rumsfeld
" Make decisions about the President's personal security. He can overrule you, but don't ask him to be the one to counsel caution. "
Donald Rumsfeld
" Members of the U.S. House and the U.S. Senate are not there by accident. Each managed to get there for some reason. Learn what it was and you will know something important about them, about our country and about the American people. "
Donald Rumsfeld
" Be yourself. Follow your instincts. Success depends, at least in part, on the ability to 'carry it off.' "
Donald Rumsfeld
" 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. "
Donald Rumsfeld
" Don't speak ill of your predecessors or successors. You didn't walk in their shoes. "
Donald Rumsfeld
" Learn to say 'I don't know.' If used when appropriate, it will be often. "
Donald Rumsfeld
" Secretary Powell and I agree on every single issue that has ever been before this administration except for those instances where Colin's still learning. "
Donald Rumsfeld
" Preserve the President's options. He may need them. "
Donald Rumsfeld
" In politics, every day is filled with numerous opportunities for serious error. Enjoy it. "
Donald Rumsfeld
" Congress, the press, and the bureaucracy too often focus on how much money or effort is spent, rather than whether the money or effort actually achieves the announced goal. "
Donald Rumsfeld
" Test ideas in the marketplace. You learn from hearing a range of perspectives. Consultation helps engender the support decisions need to be successfully implemented. "
Donald Rumsfeld
" If a prospective Presidential approach can't be explained clearly enough to be understood well, it probably hasn't been thought through well enough. If not well understood by the American people, it probably won't 'sail' anyway. Send it back for further thought. "
Donald Rumsfeld
" Let your family, staff, and friends know that you're still the same person, despite all the publicity and notoriety that accompanies your position. "
Donald Rumsfeld