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In It Worked for Me is filled with vivid experiences and lessons learned that have shaped the legendary public service career of the four-star general and former Secretary of State Colin Powell. At its heart are Powell's "Thirteen Rules"-notes he gathered over the years and that now form the basis of his leadership presentations given throughout the world. Powell's short but sweet rules-among them, "Get mad, then get over it" and "Share credit"-are illustrated by revealing personal stories that introduce and expand upon his principles for effective leadership: conviction, hard work, and, above all, respect for others. In work and in life, Powell writes, "it's about how we touch and are touched by the people we meet. It's all about the people."
A natural storyteller, Powell offers warm and engaging parables with wise advice on succeeding in the workplace and beyond. "Trust your people," he counsels as he delegates presidential briefing responsibilities to two junior State Department desk officers. "Do your best-someone is watching," he advises those just starting out, recalling his own teenage summer job mopping floors in a soda-bottling factory.
Powell combines the insights he has gained serving in the top ranks of the military and in four presidential administrations with the lessons he's learned from his immigrant-family upbringing in the Bronx, his training in the ROTC, and his growth as an Army officer. The result is a powerful portrait of a leader who is reflective, self-effacing, and grateful for the contributions of everyone he works with.
Colin Powell's In It Worked for Me is bound to inspire, move, and surprise readers. Thoughtful and revealing, it is a brilliant and original blueprint for leadership. Please note that due to the large file size of these special features this enhanced e-book may take longer to download then a standard e-book.
RetiredGrandpa
Posted May 24, 2012
Colin Powell is, has been and probably always will be a "good soldier". That means he does what he's told to do by a superior and doesn't question the reasoning or sources behind the assignment. Unfortunatetly that's what almost stained his remarkable career when he presented a cooked up reason to invade Iraq at the U.N. Enough said about that. He is not trying to rewrite history in this book, just passing along well learned lessons and insights gained through many years of public and personal experience. The man is a true patriot and sets a stand out example of what it takes to be a humanitarian who cares about other people and the country he so honorably served. Yes, I have a great amount of respect for General Colin Powell. If you like the man you'll buy the book. If you don't like him buy it and read it. You may find out you were mistaken about him.
29 out of 34 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted May 23, 2012
Not a typical politician's rationalizing and attempting to write history. Straightforward leadership advice. Refreshing
18 out of 24 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Haber
Posted June 2, 2012
Just finished Gen. Powell's book. Great read for everyone - corporate CEO's, military people, government officials, mid-career, those already retired and young people just starting their careers. Wonderful anecdotes and stories that teach lessons about how to live one's life and treat people. No wonderful the General is beloved by so many. Loved the touching stories about Princess Di and Ronald Reagan. You will too!
8 out of 11 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted June 2, 2012
Five stars for this four star general .. Spot on advice and wisdom from a true american hero . The perfect graduation / fathers day gift
6 out of 7 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted June 13, 2012
As a retired miltary officer, I quickly became enamored with this book. It's a humble reminder that wisdom is gained through the experience of failing. It captures the wit and wisdom of some of the finest, least cynical minds of our time. Those minds belonging to those who serve in the ranks of the military and state deparments the world over. In a world of instant communication and gratification, it's good to be reminded of the unsung heros who stand to be counted and who can be counted on. The world will always be a troubled place. A place where it's far to easy to criticize those that toil in the service of others, who go in harms way, who make the tough decisions. It's good to be reminded that thanks to them, the world will also always be a better place.
5 out of 8 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted June 2, 2012
This is such a wonderful book for everyone! I highly recommend it as a Father's Day or graduation gift. I expected a serious, but maybe a little boring political tome, but this is just the opposite. While Gen. Powell writes about some serious issues from his positions as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs and Secretary of State, he does so in a narrative style that makes the stories relatable. I always thought of him as this serious, stiff soldier and political figure, but he's actually very warm, funny and self-deprecating. I found myself grinning at the book at points while reading because of Powell's take on things like the modern hotel rooms and the portraits of himself given by world leaders, now hanging in his exercise room. There are important lessons in each short chapter that really made me think and evaluate, but it's not done in a lecture style , more as an observation and wisdom earned from a life well led. Gen. Powell is one of the heroes of American life, and his new book is a treasure.
5 out of 7 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Ever-Alert
Posted May 23, 2012
For a life that was tainted by lies told at the UN, the book does nothing to redeem such a wasted life. Harry Belafonte provided the best assessment of Colin Powell. No amount of self-serving, distortion of history can undo the damage Powell brought upon himself. That sad thing is that Powell still thinks It Worked for Him. Save time, money and trees. Just skip it!
5 out of 81 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted June 2, 2012
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Anyone who works in a team setting, group, or organization should read General Powell's book.
4 out of 5 people found this review helpful.
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Posted June 2, 2012
A great story of dedication to the country and living the American dream.
4 out of 5 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted June 2, 2012
This is an exceptional read and will be a terrific gift for graduations and Father's Day and frankly 'just because' occasions. There is something in here for everyone -- there are chapters that are thought provoking, heartwarming, inspiring and even funny. General Powell is a remarkable story teller. Interesting side note is that each chapter is a 'stand alone' so it is not necessary to read the book in order to enjoy. Particulary meaningful chapters may have unusual titles such as "Hot dogs", "Squirrels", "Pizza & Milk", and "Cousin Di". It is truly an enjoyable read and one that can be read again and again. I can't recommend this book highly enough.
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted May 30, 2012
Simple yetfascinating
4 out of 6 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted June 5, 2012
Insightful read from a man who broke many barriers.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.TeddyBearPC
Posted June 2, 2012
This is a great book for old and young alike. Wonderful parables that will make you think about how we treat our fellow human beings. I'm going to make more of an effort to think about how my words and actions affect the people I deal with in the work place and my loved ones. You definitely enjoy this one!
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
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Posted June 2, 2012
I Also Recommend:
Terrific, highly recommend this inspiring and insightful book. If you haven't read his autobiography, check it out.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted June 2, 2012
Brilliant, surprising, and always interesting.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Ever-Alert
Posted May 23, 2012
For a life that was tainted by lies told at the UN, the book does nothing to redeem such a wasted life. Harry Belafonte provided the best assessment of Colin Powell. No amount of self-serving, distortion of history can undo the damage Powell brought upon himself. The sad thing is that Powell still thinks It Worked for Him. Save time, money and trees. Just skip it!
3 out of 52 people found this review helpful.
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Posted August 15, 2012
Anonymous
2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.AnnInSeattle
Posted July 10, 2012
I have run a small business for over 30 years and have served in leadership positions in non-profits. I find Genl Powell's comments about and descriptions of leadership qualities and techniques clear and on point. He provides reminders of things that I have learned but have let get stale. I have also gained some ideas that will help me deal in new ways with issues that arise. This book is well worth everyone's read (I am a peacenik, social justice, liberal Christian).
2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
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Posted July 4, 2012
Having worked for General Powell and enjoyed his autobiography, I was concerned this book might be an update of that. However, it was a treasured collection of stories and anecdotes with quite a bit of practical lessons for navigating the challenges of life and work.
I particularly appreciated his dialogue on controversial calls while Secretary of State, to include first hand perspective of his UN address on Iraq.
No matter what your political views might be, General/Secretary Powell is an American patriot that is the epitome of good citizenship and giving back by service to our Nation. This book reminds us of the fundamentals key to that.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Posted July 21, 2012
The General is an exellent story teller. I enjoyedm every chapter.I wish I would have been able to read it 40 years ago.
1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Overview
In It Worked for Me is filled with vivid experiences and lessons learned that have shaped the legendary public service career of the four-star general and former Secretary of State Colin Powell. At its heart are Powell's "Thirteen...