Rumsfeld's Rules Quotes

“When surprise occurs, such as when the economy enters an unexpected recession or a conflict begins seemingly out the blue, the natural reaction is to immediately ask who made the “obvious” mistake. It is much easier to believe that our leaders are incompetent than to accept the less pleasant reality that ours is a world where uncertainty and surprise are the norm, not the exception.”
― Donald Rumsfeld, Rumsfeld's Rules: Leadership Lessons in Business, Politics, War, and Life

“every day is filled with numerous opportunities for serious error. Enjoy it.”
― Donald Rumsfeld, Rumsfeld's Rules: Leadership Lessons in Business, Politics, War, and Life

“People are policy! Without the best people in place, the best ideas don’t matter. —DR. ED FEULNER”
― Donald Rumsfeld, Rumsfeld's Rules: Leadership Lessons in Business, Politics, War, and Life

“Agreement can always be reached by increasing the generality of the conclusion; when this is done, the form is generally preserved but only the illusion of policy is created.”
― Donald Rumsfeld, Rumsfeld's Rules: Leadership Lessons in Business, Politics, War, and Life

“Whatever your position, reach out to those who know more than you do, and have been around longer than you have. Find those people. Listen carefully. And learn.”
― Donald Rumsfeld, Rumsfeld's Rules: Leadership Lessons in Business, Politics, War, and Life

“The harder I work, the luckier I am. —Stephen Leacock”
― Donald Rumsfeld, Rumsfeld's Rules: Leadership Lessons in Business, Politics, War, and Life

“The trouble with socialism is that eventually you run out of other people’s money. —Margaret Thatcher T”
― Donald Rumsfeld, Rumsfeld's Rules: Leadership Lessons in Business, Politics, War, and Life

“The better part of one’s life consists of his friendships. —Abraham Lincoln”
― Donald Rumsfeld, Rumsfeld's Rules: Leadership Lessons in Business, Politics, War, and Life

“Let your words be as few as will express the sense you wish to convey and above all let what you say be true. —Stonewall Jackson”
― Donald Rumsfeld, Rumsfeld's Rules: Leadership Lessons in Business, Politics, War, and Life

“Talent hits a target no one else can hit. Genius hits a target no one else can see. —Arthur Schopenhauer”
― Donald Rumsfeld, Rumsfeld's Rules: Leadership Lessons in Business, Politics, War, and Life

“A similar approach is helpful when considering hiring someone. I try to look at their résumé and background and ask: Where might they want their career to be heading, and how might that coincide with our needs? What kinds of incentives would encourage them to do their best? I try to consider their interests, concerns, and perspectives just as I consider ours. Taking a few moments to think about the hopes and aspirations of others—trying to put yourself in their shoes—is well worth the time and effort.”
― Donald Rumsfeld, Rumsfeld's Rules: Leadership Lessons in Business, Politics, War, and Life