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.

The Federal Government should be the last resort, not the first. Ask if a potential program is truly a federal responsibility or whether it can better be handled privately, by voluntary organizations, or by local or state governments.

Many people around the President have sizeable egos before entering government, some with good reason. Their new positions will do little to moderate their egos.

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.

Don't necessarily avoid sharp edges. Occasionally they are necessary to leadership.