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Donald Rumsfeld

Donald Rumsfeld Quotes

Former U.S. Secretary of Defense

Donald Rumsfeld is a prominent American politician who served as the United States Secretary of Defense twice. Born on July 9, 1932, Rumsfeld has extensive experience in political and military affairs, leading key national security and defense policies.

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Famous Donald Rumsfeld Quotes

“Find ways to decentralize. Move decision making authority down and out. Encourage a more entrepreneurial approach.”

Way Moving Decision Authority Approach Down And Decision Making Entrepreneurial

Book:Known and Unknown: A Memoir

Source: Known and Unknown: A Memoir

“Move decisions out to the Cabinet and agencies. Strengthen them by moving responsibility, authority, and accountability their direction.”

Moving Decision Responsibility Authority Agency Accountability Cabinets Authority And Responsibility

Book:Public Statements of Donald H. Rumsfeld, Secretary of Defense, 2001

Source: Public Statements of Donald H. Rumsfeld, Secretary of Defense, 2001

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

Facts Decision Views Being True Presidential Tone Execution

Book:Public Statements of Donald H. Rumsfeld, Secretary of Defense, 2001

Source: Public Statements of Donald H. Rumsfeld, Secretary of Defense, 2001

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

Ifs Decision Policy Tests Guidance Staff

Book:Public Statements of Donald H. Rumsfeld, Secretary of Defense, 2001

Source: Public Statements of Donald H. Rumsfeld, Secretary of Defense, 2001

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

Asks President Decision Security Caution Personal Security

Book:Public Statements of Donald H. Rumsfeld, Secretary of Defense, 2001

Source: Public Statements of Donald H. Rumsfeld, Secretary of Defense, 2001

“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.”

Ifs Matter Problem Force President Decision Responsibility Areas Pressure Down And Structure Add Reverse Delegates Delegation Bottlenecks

Book:Public Statements of Donald H. Rumsfeld, Secretary of Defense, 2001

Source: Public Statements of Donald H. Rumsfeld, Secretary of Defense, 2001

“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.”

Ifs May Made President Decision Poor Cutting Information Flow Staff Cabinets Information Flow

Book:Public Statements of Donald H. Rumsfeld, Secretary of Defense, 2001

Source: Public Statements of Donald H. Rumsfeld, Secretary of Defense, 2001

“Test ideas in the marketplace. You learn from hearing a range of perspectives. Consultation helps engender the support decisions need to be successfully implemented.”

Needs Ideas Helping Decision Support Perspective Tests Hearing Range Marketplace Consultation

Book:Public Statements of Donald H. Rumsfeld, Secretary of Defense, 2001

Source: Public Statements of Donald H. Rumsfeld, Secretary of Defense, 2001

“When you raise issues with the President, try to come away with both that decision and also a precedent. Pose issues so as to evoke broader policy guidance. This can help to answer a range of similar issues likely to arise later.”

Trying Helping President Decision Answers Issues Policy Raises Arise Range Guidance Evoke Precedent

Book:Public Statements of Donald H. Rumsfeld, Secretary of Defense, 2001

Source: Public Statements of Donald H. Rumsfeld, Secretary of Defense, 2001

“Those who made the decisions with imperfect knowledge will be judged in hindsight by those with considerably more information at their disposal and time for reflection.”

Made Decision Information Reflection Judged Imperfect Hindsight

Book:Known and Unknown: A Memoir

Source: Known and Unknown: A Memoir

“Whatever new threats and challenges may emerge, our nation will be able to face them squarely, deal with them, and yet allow our people to continue to live free and unafraid. The decisions you make, the courage and creativity you bring to your responsibilities, will determine America's future. Liberty and our way of life are fragile gifts - their care is in your hands. We thank you for stepping forward to shoulder that immense responsibility. Your country is grateful, and proud of each of you.”

“If in doubt, move decisions up to the President.”

Ifs Moving President Decision Doubt

Book:Public Statements of Donald H. Rumsfeld, Secretary of Defense, 2001

Source: Public Statements of Donald H. Rumsfeld, Secretary of Defense, 2001

About the Author

Born: July 9, 1932
Known for: Former U.S. Secretary of Defense
Quotes: 224

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Ifs People President Iraq Knows Country War Thinking May Weapons World Wells Decision Weapons Of Mass Destruction Want Destruction Mass Destruction Trying Helping Looks

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Books & Sources

Public Statements of Donald H. Rumsfeld, Secretary of Defense, 2001Related source material

Known and Unknown: A MemoirRelated source material

The World According to RummyRelated source material

Known and UnknownRelated source material

Rumsfeld's Rules: Leadership Lessons in Business, Politics, War, and LifeRelated source material

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