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All Donald Rumsfeld Quotes
Presidential leadership needn't always cost money. Look for low- and no-cost options. They can be surprisingly effective.
Donald Rumsfeld
60% of people like this quote
Don't be a bottleneck. If a matter is not a decision for the President or you, delegate it. Force responsibility down and out. Find problem areas, add structure and delegate. The pressure is to do the reverse. Resist it.
Donald Rumsfeld
59% of people like this quote
Enjoy your time in public service. It may well be one of the most interesting and challenging times of your life.
Donald Rumsfeld
58% of people like this quote
It is easier to get into something than to get out of it.
Donald Rumsfeld
58% of people like this quote
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
57% of people like this quote
Learn to say "I don't know." If used when appropriate, it will be often.
Donald Rumsfeld
57% of people like this quote
One of your tasks is to separate the "personal" from the "substantive." The two can become confused, especially if someone rubs the President wrong.
Donald Rumsfeld
57% of people like this quote
See that the President, the Cabinet and staff are informed. If cut out of the information flow, their decisions may be poor, not made, or not confidently or persuasively implemented.
Donald Rumsfeld
57% of people like this quote
Know that the amount of criticism you receive may correlate somewhat to the amount of publicity you receive.
Donald Rumsfeld
56% of people like this quote
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
55% of people like this quote
When cutting staff at the Pentagon, don't eliminate the thin layer that assures civilian control.
Donald Rumsfeld
55% of people like this quote
Don't necessarily avoid sharp edges. Occasionally they are necessary to leadership.
Donald Rumsfeld
54% of people like this quote
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
54% of people like this quote
There are known knowns. These are things we know that we know. There are known unknowns. That is to say, there are things that we know we don't know. But there are also unknown unknowns. There are things we don't know we don't know.
Donald Rumsfeld
53% of people like this quote
If you foul up, tell the President and correct it fast. Delay only compounds mistakes.
Donald Rumsfeld
53% of people like this quote
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