It worked for Me: In Life & Leadership, by General Colin Powell

Book review – it worked for me: in Life & leadership, by General Colin Powell

Colin Powell’s book “It Worked for Me: In Life and Leadership” is a must-read for anyone seeking to improve their leadership skills and personal growth. The book is a compilation of Powell’s personal experiences and the lessons he learned throughout his career, which includes serving as the US Secretary of State and as a four-star general in the US Army.

His 13 rules are outlined in his book “It Worked for Me: In Life and Leadership”:

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.

Each of these rules is accompanied by personal anecdotes and examples that illustrate how Powell has applied these principles in his own life and leadership positions. The rules emphasize the importance of maintaining a positive attitude, being decisive, remaining humble, and respecting others. These principles are rooted in Powell’s core values of conviction, hard work, and respect for others. By following these rules, Powell believes that anyone can become an effective leader and achieve success in their personal and professional lives.

One of the key takeaways from the book is Powell’s emphasis on the importance of strong leadership. He believes that leadership is not only about giving orders but also about listening, collaborating, and inspiring others. Powell believes that great leaders need to possess integrity, be empathetic, and be willing to take risks. He argues that leaders who prioritize the needs of their team members and work to build a strong sense of trust will ultimately be more successful.

Another important lesson that Powell highlights in his book is the importance of preparation. He stresses the value of thorough planning and preparation before taking action. He suggests that taking the time to gather information, analyze data, and evaluate potential outcomes can help leaders make better decisions and avoid costly mistakes.

Powell also places a significant emphasis on the importance of adaptability. He believes that leaders need to be able to adapt to changing circumstances and be willing to pivot when necessary. This means being flexible in your approach and being willing to adjust your plans as new information becomes available. Powell argues that leaders who are too rigid and unwilling to adapt are likely to fail.

Overall, Powell’s book is a valuable resource for anyone looking to improve their leadership skills and personal growth. His insights and lessons learned are applicable not only to those in positions of power but to anyone seeking to improve themselves and their interactions with others. Some of the top lessons that I took away from the book are the importance of strong leadership, the value of preparation, and the need for adaptability in the face of change.

In conclusion, Colin Powell’s “It Worked for Me” is a highly recommended book for anyone looking to become a better leader and person. The book’s practical advice and personal anecdotes make it an engaging read, and Powell’s wisdom and experience shine through on every page. I would recommend this book to anyone seeking to improve their leadership skills and develop a more nuanced understanding of what it means to be a great leader.

Colin Powell’s book “It Worked for Me: In Life and Leadership” contains a wealth of valuable insights and top tips that can be applied to both personal and professional settings. Here are some of his top tips:

1. Have a clear vision: Powell believes that great leaders must have a clear vision for their organization or team, and they must be able to communicate that vision to others.
2. Lead with integrity: Powell emphasizes the importance of honesty, trustworthiness, and ethical behavior in leadership. He believes that leaders who lead with integrity will ultimately earn the respect and trust of their team members.
3. Listen actively: Effective leaders must be good listeners. Powell suggests that leaders should take the time to listen actively to their team members, seek out their opinions and ideas, and incorporate them into decision-making.
4. Be decisive: Powell argues that leaders must be decisive and willing to make tough decisions, even in the face of uncertainty or risk.
5. Focus on results: Leaders must be results-oriented and focused on achieving their goals. Powell suggests that leaders should set clear objectives, measure progress, and hold themselves and their team members accountable for results.
6. Build strong relationships: Leaders must build strong relationships with their team members and stakeholders. Powell suggests that leaders should take the time to get to know their team members, build trust, and work collaboratively to achieve shared goals.
7. Be adaptable: Powell emphasizes the importance of adaptability in leadership. He suggests that leaders must be able to adjust their plans and strategies in response to changing circumstances, and be willing to learn from their mistakes.
8. Empower others: Leaders must empower their team members to take ownership and initiative. Powell believes that leaders should delegate responsibility, provide opportunities for growth and development, and recognize and reward achievements.

Here are ten more of Colin Powell’s top tips from his book “It Worked for Me: In Life and Leadership”:

1. Be a lifelong learner: Powell suggests that leaders must be constantly learning and growing in order to stay relevant and effective.
2. Communicate clearly: Effective communication is crucial in leadership. Powell advises leaders to be clear, concise, and direct in their communication, and to use active listening skills to ensure understanding.
3. Lead by example: Leaders must set the tone and example for their team members to follow. Powell believes that leaders who model the behaviors and values they want to see in their team members will be more successful.
4. Take calculated risks: Powell argues that leaders must be willing to take calculated risks in order to achieve success. However, he also cautions against reckless risk-taking that could jeopardize the mission or team members.
5. Foster a positive culture: Leaders must work to create a positive and supportive culture within their team or organization. Powell suggests that leaders should encourage collaboration, celebrate achievements, and promote a sense of belonging.
6. Build resilience: Leaders must be able to bounce back from setbacks and failures. Powell advises leaders to build resilience by focusing on solutions rather than dwelling on problems, and by seeking support from others.
7. Stay grounded: Leaders must stay grounded and connected to the people they serve. Powell suggests that leaders should maintain humility, seek feedback, and avoid becoming isolated or disconnected.
8. Embrace diversity: Diversity and inclusion are essential components of effective leadership. Powell believes that leaders must embrace diversity, seek out different perspectives, and create an environment where everyone feels valued and respected.
9. Be patient: Leaders must be patient and persistent in their efforts to achieve their goals. Powell suggests that leaders should stay focused on the long-term vision, even when faced with short-term obstacles or setbacks.
10. Give back: Finally, Powell believes that leaders have a responsibility to give back to their communities and to help others succeed. He suggests that leaders should seek opportunities to volunteer, mentor others, and contribute to the common good.