Bush Lessons

• Staff discipline begins with personal discipline. From a tough exercise regimen to a regular sleeping regime, Bush believes that good managers have to stay in top condition to function effectively.

• Discipline begins with respect. People who respect each other show up for meetings on time, stick to the issues, and explore important questions. That respect, Bush concludes, breeds the discipline an organization needs.

• Allow discussions—but don’t allow them to simmer long as public disputes. Bush learned from his father’s administration how corrosive public battles among aides can be. He determined that his own administration wouldn’t tolerate them.

• No manager can be all discipline, all the time. Bush programs breaks into his week and longer vacations into his schedule. Some of these breaks can be frenetic, in the Bush family tradition. But he’s discovered what relaxes him, and believes all managers have to do the same.