General Colin Powell says he always tries to keep in mind a number of rules or thoughts to live by.
Here are some that he has come upon over the years.
Leadership Secrets of Colin Powell
The Rules
- It ain’t as bad as you think. It will look better in the morning
- Get mad, then get over it.
- Avoid having your ego so close to your position that when your position falls, your ego goes with it.
- It can be done.
- Be careful about what you choose. You may get it.
- Don’t let adverse facts stand in the way of a good decision.
- You can’t make someone else’s choices. You shouldn’t let someone else make yours.
- Check small things.
- Share credit.
- Remain calm. Be kind.
- Have a vision. Be demanding.
- Don’t take counsel of your fears or naysayers.
- Perpetual optimism is a force multiplier. (In the military, one always looks for ways to increase or multiply your forces.)
In His Own Words: Colin Powell by Colin Powell
Who Is Colin Powell?
Powell was a professional soldier for 35 years, during which time he held myriad command and staff positions and rose to the rank of 4-star General. His last assignment, from October 1, 1989, to September 30, 1993, was the 12th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the highest military position in the Department of Defense. He was the 65th United States Secretary of State, serving under U.S. President George W. Bush