Test ideas in the marketplace. You learn from hearing a range of perspectives. Consultation helps engender the support decisions need to be successfully implemented.

Quote by Donald Rumsfeld

Topics: Ideas Quotes

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...

Visit with your predecessors from previous Administrations. They know the ropes and can help you...

Visit with your predecessors from previous Administrations. They know the ropes and can help you...

The most underestimated risk for a politician is overexposure.

The most underestimated risk for a politician is overexposure.

Don't be a bottleneck. If a matter is not a decision for the President or...

Don't be a bottleneck. If a matter is not a decision for the President or...

In our system leadership is by consent, not command. To lead a President must persuade....

In our system leadership is by consent, not command. To lead a President must persuade....

In the execution of Presidential decisions work to be true to his views, in fact...

In the execution of Presidential decisions work to be true to his views, in fact...

Arguments of convenience lack integrity and inevitably trip you up.

Arguments of convenience lack integrity and inevitably trip you up.

Our task, your task... is to try to connect the dots before something happens. People...

Our task, your task... is to try to connect the dots before something happens. People...

Move decisions out to the Cabinet and agencies. Strengthen them by moving responsibility, authority, and...

Move decisions out to the Cabinet and agencies. Strengthen them by moving responsibility, authority, and...

Let your family, staff, and friends know that you're still the same person, despite all...

Let your family, staff, and friends know that you're still the same person, despite all...

The price of being close to the President is delivering bad news. You fail him...

The price of being close to the President is delivering bad news. You fail him...

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...

You will launch many projects, but have time to finish only a few. So think,...

You will launch many projects, but have time to finish only a few. So think,...

Be precise. A lack of precision is dangerous when the margin of error is small.

Be precise. A lack of precision is dangerous when the margin of error is small.

Keep your sense of humor. As General Joe Stillwell said, The higher a monkey climbs,...

Keep your sense of humor. As General Joe Stillwell said, The higher a monkey climbs,...

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...

Don't blame the boss. He has enough problems.

Don't blame the boss. He has enough problems.

Prune - prune businesses, products, activities, people. Do it annually.

Prune - prune businesses, products, activities, people. Do it annually.

If you foul up, tell the President and correct it fast. Delay only compounds mistakes.

If you foul up, tell the President and correct it fast. Delay only compounds mistakes.

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

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