I have long admired the leadership and wisdom of the late General Colin Powell. I had the privilege a number of years ago to spend about thirty minutes alone with the General, and my positive perception and respect for him did not diminish one bit – in fact, it increased exponentially! He was a man who not only possessed incredible personal presence, but he truly knew what it was like to practice leadership excellence.
At the end of his book, My American Journey, Powell listed the following 13 “Rules,” which contain superb advice for achieving greater success, leadership excellence, and more successful living:
- 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 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.
Great advice from one of the most successful and enduring leaders of my time!
The question is, will you take action, will you implement, will you make a habit of, and will you continually pursue improvement in each of these critical areas in your life?
