Abraham Lincoln had his rules of conduct as well.
Rusfeld’s Rules are equally interesting, here’s a few:
Serving in the White House
(for the White House chief of staff and senior staff)
Don’t accept the post or stay unless you have an understanding with the president that you’re free to tell him what you think “with the bark off” and you have the courage to do it.
Visit with your predecessors from previous administrations. They know the ropes and can help you see around some corners. Try to make original mistakes, rather than needlessly repeating theirs.
Don’t begin to think you’re the president. You’re not. The Constitution provides for only one.
In the execution of presidential decisions work to be true to his views, in fact and tone.
Know that the immediate staff and others in the administration will assume that your manner, tone and tempo reflect the president’s.
Learn to say “I don’t know.” If used when appropriate, it will be often.
If you foul up, tell the president and correct it fast. Delay only compounds mistakes.
Walk around. If you are invisible, the mystique of the president’s office may perpetuate inaccurate impressions about you or the president, to his detriment. After all, you may not be as bad as they’re saying.
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 precise. A lack of precision is dangerous when the margin of error is small.
Preserve the president’s options. He may need them.
It is easier to get into something than to get out of it.
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.
Amid all the clutter, beyond all the obstacles, aside from all the static, are the goals set. Put your head down, do the best job possible, let the flak pass, and work toward those goals.
Don’t say “the White House wants.” Buildings can’t want.
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.
Make decisions about the president’s personal security. He can overrule you, but don’t ask him to be the one to counsel caution.
Being vice president is difficult. Don’t make it tougher.
Don’t automatically obey presidential directives if you disagree or if you suspect he hasn’t considered key aspects of the issue.
The price of being close to the president is delivering bad news. You fail him if you don’t tell him the truth. Others won’t do it.
You and the White House staff must be and be seen to be above suspicion. Set the right example.
The role of White House chief of staff is that of a “javelin catcher.” — Jack Watson
Don’t speak ill of your predecessors or successors. You didn’t walk in their shoes.
Remember the public trust. Strive to preserve and enhance the integrity of the office of the presidency. Pledge to leave it stronger than when you came.
Don’t blame the boss. He has enough problems.