If a prospective Presidential approach can't be explained clearly enough to be understood well, it probably hasn't been thought through well enough. If not well understood by the American people, it probably won't "sail" anyway. Send it back for further thought.
Donald Rumsfeld

If in doubt, don't. If still in doubt, do what's right.
Donald Rumsfeld

If in doubt, move decisions up to the President.
Donald Rumsfeld

If the staff lacks policy guidance against which to test decisions, their decisions will be random.
Donald Rumsfeld

If you are not criticized, you may not be doing much.
Donald Rumsfeld

If you develop rules, never have more than ten.
Donald Rumsfeld

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

If you try to please everybody, somebody's not going to like it.
Donald Rumsfeld

Imagine, a September 11 with weapons of mass destruction. It's not 3,000. It's tens of thousands of innocent men, women and children.
Donald Rumsfeld

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

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

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

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

It isn't making mistakes that's critical; it's correcting them and getting on with the principal task.
Donald Rumsfeld

Know that the amount of criticism you receive may correlate somewhat to the amount of publicity you receive.
Donald Rumsfeld

Learn to say "I don't know." If used when appropriate, it will be often.
Donald Rumsfeld

Leave the President's family business to him. You will have plenty to do without trying to manage the First Family. They are likely to do fine without your help.
Donald Rumsfeld

Let your family, staff, and friends know that you're still the same person, despite all the publicity and notoriety that accompanies your position.
Donald Rumsfeld

Look for what's missing. Many advisors can tell a President how to improve what's proposed or what's gone amiss. Few are able to see what isn't there.
Donald Rumsfeld

Make decisions about the President's personal security. He can overrule you, but don't ask him to be the one to counsel caution.
Donald Rumsfeld