The Worst Mistake Is To

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.

At 78 Years Old, I Am Not Surprised At Much Anymore. Germany Has Taken Divergent Positions Before, So Has France, So Has England, So Has The Us.

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.

Make Decisions About The President's Personal Security. He Can Overrule You, But Don't Ask Him To Be The One To Counsel Caution.

If You Are Working From Your Inbox, You Are Working On Other People’s Priorities.