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

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

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

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

When asked for your views, by the press or others, remember that what they really want to know is the President's views.

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.

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.

Be able to resign. It will improve your value to the President and do wonders for your performance.

Don't automatically obey Presidential directives if you disagree or if you suspect he hasn't considered key aspects of the issue.

Don't do or say things you would not like to see on the front page of The Washington Post.

First rule of politics: you can't win unless you're on the ballot. Second rule: If you run, you may lose. And, if you tie, you do not win.

If in doubt, move decisions up to the President.

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

If you develop rules, never have more than ten.

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

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.

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

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

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

One of your tasks is to separate the 'personal' from the 'substantive.' The two can become confused, especially if someone rubs the President wrong.