It Worked for Me

I chose the book titled, It Worked for Me: In Life and Leadership by one of the most interesting men in the world, Colin Powell. His career background and list of accomplishments is remarkable. From being raised in the Bronx NY with an immigrant family, he grew to defy the stereotypes to establish an advanced career from a ROTC trainee, to a top rank general, then to the first African American who was appointed as the United States Secretary of State. Upon completing this book, I now understand why it indeed in noted as a #1 national bestseller. Powell took the initiative to share a selection of his own personal stories and experiences which over the years of his career, taught him vital lessons in regards to life and leadership. Within the first chapters of the book, he teaches you what he called the Thirteen Rules. These thirteen rules are the main key factors for the entire book. These rules depicted his personal stories and elaborated how to effectively display leadership, hard work and respect for others both in life and the workforce. Overall this was an incredible, entertaining and intriguing book to read! What started as just a class assignment soon turned into an addictive, brilliant and delightful experience. This book has phenomenal resources of information, theories, and intellectual insight that could be applied to various occasions. The substantial amount of valuable knowledge this book provides is essential to apply to an individual’s daily living. Powell excelled in providing the critical knowledge and tools needed to effectively uphold the image of a good character in both leadership and relationships. I personally believe this is a book that every individual need to read in their lifetime. I personally always respected Mr. Powell just by his actions alone; however I developed a whole new sense of respect for him, his character and his disciplinary lifestyle. I will definitely be keeping this in my personal library.

I was wise to buy the audiobook versión before buying the kindle one. General Powell tells the stories himself, which makes this great book even better. The structure of the message is well crafted into a mixture of Leadership and life concepts and Mr. Powell's view on life. As a businessman in Mexico, I am in constant search of leadership concepts that I can apply to my life and organization. General Powell's take on leadership is practical and powerful, it shows principles that are straight forward and proven. I caught my attention the fact that being a military elite in the most powerful country in ht world, Mr. Powell shows great sensibility and love for his country and the world. His experience and work in the american armed forces shows a deep understanding of his noble duty and commitment to the well being of the whole world. His mission in life clearly has to do with protecting and loving millions of people he doesn't know personally. He shows joy and pride in his work. He seems full of energy and passion even after being retired. He is aware of the great amount of knowledge and experience he has amassed over time, and is willing to share everything with the world. I bet that every instant he lives on this world, General Powell will do everything he can to live up to his love for humanity. His missions in the army may be over, but his true mission in life will continue until he retires form this life. Lets hope he stays with us for a while longer. Thank you General Powell

Point: Nothing goes perfectly: Continuously look to improve, learn, and be open and flexible Very enjoyable and instructional read. Here is a leader who deals with life and death matters. It continues the theme of mindset and echoes the themes noted. He speaks about both his strengths and weaknesses. He speaks about the successes and people he has had the honor of meeting and calling a friend, such as past presidents, English royalty, and other key political figures. But, he also speaks frankly about his Feb 2003 speech about Saddam Hussein and allegations of weapons of mass destruction. The key learnings relate to Leadership and Mindset. I have set out some of the memorable points on leadership and mindset. And, I have noted his 5 lists, which he has developed and shared over his career: A leader a) sets the high standards and mutual respect, which will flow through the organization. b) solves problems c) takes responsibility for setting a plan and continues to adjust such plan based on new information d) Good leaders set vision, missions, and goals. Great leaders inspire A mindset a) ensures a problem-solving attitude b) teaches and exemplifies moral courage to speak out when standards are not being met c) creates imaginative and creative folks with ideas and the ability to anticipate. d) ensures that learning and improvement are the sole focus, not the unit's success or failure in the mission. It's not a blame game e) ensures that evaluations should evolve into a system that asks, where do we need more training? How do we make our troops better and more skilled? What have we done right? What have we done wrong? The sole goal is to improve our performance f) always gets over failure quickly. Learns from it, study how you contributed to it. If you are responsible for it, own up to it, and move on. g) Understand that it isn't where you start in life that counts; it is where you end up. So believe in yourself, work hard, study hard, be your own role model, believe that anything is possible, and always do your best. Remember that your past is not necessarily your future. Colin Powell's Lists a) 13 rules: General life advice and how to survive b) Intelligence gathering: Discerning fact from supposition c) Mental Checklist: Advice before making a decision d) Press interviews: Things to remember when speaking on the record e) How to survive as my staff aide - or what not to do: Rules to live by to work for Colin a) 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 fall, you ego goes with it. 4) It can be done - It is more about your attitude than reality. Maybe it can't be done, but always start out believing you can get it done until facts and analysis pile up against it. 5) Be careful what you choose: you may get it 6) Don't let adverse facts stand in the way of a good decision. - Good judgment comes from experience, and experience comes from bad judgment. 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 b) Intelligence gathering: 1. Tell me What you know: Means you are reasonably sure that your facts are corroborated. You know where they came from, and you can confirm them with multiple sources. 2. Tell me what you don't know 3. Then tell me what you think 4. Always distinguish which from which 5. Place carefully each in their proper box: facts, opinion, analysis, hunches, instinct c) Mental checklist: a) Does it make common sense? Take a deep breath, rub your eyes. b) Does it fit in with everything else that is going on? Is there a context for this event? c) How much time do I have to figure this out? d) How can I confirm it? e) What are the risks, costs, and opportunities lost if the report is true and we delay action? f) What are the risks, costs, and missed opportunities if it is false and we act too quickly? g) What are the stakes? h) Time's up! Do something! Keep searching! d) With respect to the press, remember: a) They get to pick the questions. You get to pick the answer b) You don't have to answer any questions you don't want to c) Never lie or dissemble, of course; but beware of being too candid or open d) Never answer hypothetical questions about the future e) Never reveal the private advice you have given your superiors f) Answers should be directed to the message you want readers/viewers to get. The interviewers are not your audience g) They're doing their job you're doing yours but you're the only one at risk h) Don't predict or speculate about future events i) Beware slang or one-liners unless you are consciously trying to produce a sound bite j) Don't wash dirty linen k) Do not answer any question containing a premise you disagree with l) Don't push yourself or be pushed into an answer you don't want to give m) If trapped, be vague and mumble n) Never cough or shift your feet o) When there are second follow-up questions, you're in trouble - break right, apply power, gain altitude, or eject. e) How to survive as my aide-or what not to do 1. Don't hesitate to ask me what to do if uncertain 2. Don't ever sign my name, or for me 3. Never use money on my behalf 4. Avoid "the general wants" syndrome-unless I really do 5. Provide feedback, but be tactful to those who ask-talks between you and me are private and confidential 6. Family has nothing to do with the office. Never interrupt with calls from family unless there's a crisis. 7. Never keep anybody waiting on the phone-call back 8. I like meeting generally uninterrupted. I ask a lot of questions. I like questions and debate. 9. I'm a people/phone junkie. I like to remain enormously accessible 10. I will develop ways of getting to know what's happening 11. Don't accept speaking engagements without my knowledge 12. Keep accurate calendars and records. And keep faithful track of calls and whom I have seen. I'll always return calls 13. I tend to get moody or preoccupied. I will snap, but that clears the air 14. Be punctual; don't waste my time 15. I prefer written information to oral: writing encourages discipline 16. I do lots of paperwork-and I like doing it 17. Make sure correspondence is excellent. No split infinitives 18. Never, never permit illegal or stupid actions 19. No surprises. I don't like to be blindsided. Bad news doesn't get any better with time. If there is a problem brewing, I want to know early-heads-up as soon as possible 20. Speak precisely. I often fudge for a reason. Don't over interpret what I say 21. Don't rush into decisions-Make them timely and correct

Any person in a leadership position should purchase this book. I know Powell became a bit of a controversial person however, I’ve always been a big fan. This book provides some insights into his career, but also gives an understanding of how to lead effectively.

Gostei da leitura até esperava mais do conteúdo mas acredito que o que eu vá gostar mais seria o outro livro de Powell, My American Journey, que comprarei depois. Mas esse livro você vê que ele é um homem que fez a diferença por onde passou e deixou um legado positivo.

All aspects of the book. Very interesting.

Excelente libro

Fantastic book. Must read for all. Practical and genuine

Born in New York General Colin Powell is a faszinating Person with a really interesting character. His firm convictions and ideas of how to live and interact with your Society and especially of how to behave as a leader are not only good ideas but should furthermore be an inspiration to all of us. This book is highly recommendable for everyone. Both concerning the subject and also in relation to the authors life and thinking. Habe das Buch auch in deutsch gelesen. Hier hat es den Titel "Leadership. Lehren, die mich durchs Leben führten." Gute Übersetzung, genauso gut zu lesen, wie das englische Exemplar.