Gen. Colin Powell, who died Monday of complications from the COVID-19 virus, is being remembered not only as the first Black secretary of state and national security advisor who had a distinguished career in the military, but also for the lessons he shared later in life about his decades of service to the United States.
In his 2012 memoir, “It Worked For Me: In Life and Leadership,” Powell shared stories of leadership and explained how many of those examples framed his life and career.
He begins the book with “13 Rules” he said he had learned over the years that have served him well in his professional and personal life.
Here are Powell’s 13 Rules:
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.
6. Don’t let adverse facts stand in the way of a good decision.
7. You can’t make someone else’s choices.
8. Check small things.
9. Share credit.
10. Remain calm. Be kind.
11. Have a vision.
12. Don’t take counsel of your fears or naysayers.
13. Perpetual optimism is a force multiplier.
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