Don't think of yourself as indispensable or infallible. As Charles De Gaulle said, the cemeteries of the world are full of indispensable men.

Quote by Donald Rumsfeld

Topics: Self Interest Quotes

Test ideas in the marketplace. You learn from hearing a range of perspectives. Consultation helps...

Test ideas in the marketplace. You learn from hearing a range of perspectives. Consultation helps...

Look for what's missing. Many advisors can tell a President how to improve what's proposed...

Look for what's missing. Many advisors can tell a President how to improve what's proposed...

The way to do well is to do well.

The way to do well is to do well.

First rule of politics: you can't win unless you're on the ballot. Second rule: If...

First rule of politics: you can't win unless you're on the ballot. Second rule: If...

In politics, every day is filled with numerous opportunities for serious error. Enjoy it.

In politics, every day is filled with numerous opportunities for serious error. Enjoy it.

Your performance depends on your people. Select the best, train them and back them. When...

Your performance depends on your people. Select the best, train them and back them. When...

Arguments of convenience lack integrity and inevitably trip you up.

Arguments of convenience lack integrity and inevitably trip you up.

Leave the President's family business to him. You will have plenty to do without trying...

Leave the President's family business to him. You will have plenty to do without trying...

It is easier to get into something than to get out of it.

It is easier to get into something than to get out of it.

Don't say he White House wants. Buildings can't want.

Don't say he White House wants. Buildings can't want.

The Federal Government should be the last resort, not the first. Ask if a potential...

The Federal Government should be the last resort, not the first. Ask if a potential...

Have a deputy and develop a successor. Don't be consumed by the job or you'll...

Have a deputy and develop a successor. Don't be consumed by the job or you'll...

Don't automatically obey Presidential directives if you disagree or if you suspect he hasn't considered...

Don't automatically obey Presidential directives if you disagree or if you suspect he hasn't considered...

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

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

I can't tell you if the use of force in Iraq today will last five...

I can't tell you if the use of force in Iraq today will last five...

Think ahead. Don't let day-to-day operations drive out planning.

Think ahead. Don't let day-to-day operations drive out planning.

You're thinking of Eurpoe as Germany and France. I don't. I think that's old Europe.

You're thinking of Eurpoe as Germany and France. I don't. I think that's old Europe.

If you develop rules, never have more than ten.

If you develop rules, never have more than ten.

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

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

One of your tasks is to separate the personal from the substantive. The two can...

One of your tasks is to separate the personal from the substantive. The two can...