Let your family, staff, and friends know that you're still the same person, despite all the publicity and notoriety that accompanies your position.

Know that the amount of criticism you receive may correlate somewhat to the amount of publicity you receive.

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.

Work continuously to trim the White House staff from your first day to your last. All the pressures are to the contrary.

Don't speak ill of your predecessors or successors. You didn't walk in their shoes.

Visit with your predecessors from previous Administrations. They know the ropes and can help you see around some corners. Try to make original mistakes, rather than needlessly repeating theirs.