Don't Think Of Yourself As

There Is No Question But That When One Is Engaged Militarily That There Are Going To Be Unintended Loss Of Life.

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.

Don't Necessarily Avoid Sharp Edges. Occasionally They Are Necessary To Leadership.

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.

The Federal Government Should Be The Last Resort, Not The First. Ask If A Potential Program Is Truly A Federal Responsibility Or Whether It Can Better Be Handled Privately, By Voluntary Organizations, Or By Local Or State Governments.