(www.the-idler.com)
"Read All About It In The Idler
"19 September 2001
GENERAL POWELL'S RULES
For years, reports of General Powell's Rules have circulated through Washington, DC. They were provided to those who worked with him as guidance on how to behave in a crisis.
Like Ben Franklin's aphorisms in Poor Richard's Almanac, these simple sayings give insight into the mind of an American success story -- and reflect, as well, the confidence and optimism of an entire nation.
For those who might wonder what is going on at the highest levels in the American capital, in the aftermath of the attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon, these thirteen points and two slogans may point the way forward.
1. It ain't as bad as you think. It will look better in the morning.
2. Get mad, then get over it.
3. Avoid having your ego so close to your position that when your position falls, your ego goes with it.
4. It can be done!
5. Be careful what you choose. You may get it.
6. Don't let adverse facts stand in the way of a good decision.
7. You can't make someone else's choices. You shouldn't let someone else make yours.
8. Check small things.
9. Share credit.
10. Remain calm. Be kind.
11. Have a vision. Be demanding.
12. Don't take counsel of your fears or naysayers.
13. Perpetual optimism is a force multiplier.
"Sometimes being responsible means pissing people off"
"You never know what you can get away with
, unless you try."