Berger's Rules for White House Work

Though Sandy Berger has had a few bumps in the road since 2000, I keep this posted at my desk. It reminds me what public service, especially at the highest levels is supposed to be about.

I don’t know where it was originally written, and Google hasn’t helped. My copy is a third generation fax I got while serving at the WH. Any help would be appreciated.

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Berger's Rules for White House Work

Sandy Berger, President Clinton’s new national security adviser, was about to address his staff last month, so he grabbed an envelope and scribbled down “Berger’s Rules” for serving in the White House. This week he shared them with a reporter.

1. Never forget where you work – the White House – and for whom – the President. If you lose your sense of awe about that, it’s time to think about moving on.
2. Don’t let it fester. Get it off your chest, and then move on.
3. Think big and write short
4. Wear your beeper.
5. Take responsibility. Give credit.
6. Be honest – with yourself, with your colleagues and with me – although you don’t have to be brutal about it.
7. Set your goals high and then go home at night and think about three things you’ve accomplished, not the seven you didn’t.
8. If you don’t want to read about it in the Washington Post, don’t do it because you probably will.
9. This can be a tough place to work; watch out for one another.
10. Be proud of what you’re doing for our country.