It Worked For Me: In Life and Leadership

New York Times Bestselling Author

Colin Powell, one of America's most admired public figures, reveals the unique lessons that shaped his life and career

It Worked for Me is a collection of lessons and personal anecdotes that shaped four star-general and former Secretary of State Colin Powell's legendary career in public service. At its heart are Powell's “Thirteen Rules,”-notes he accumulated on his desk that served as the basis for the leadership presentations he delivered throughout the world.

Powell's short-but-sweet rules such as “Get mad, then get over it” and “Share credit,” are illuminated by revealing personal stories that introduce and expand on his principles for effective leadership: conviction, hard work, and above all, respect for others. In work and life, Powell writes, “It is the human gesture that counts.”

A compelling storyteller, Powell shares parables both humorous and solemn that offer wise advice on succeeding in the workplace and beyond. “Trust your people,” he councils as he delegates presidential briefing responsibilities to two junior aides. “Do your best--someone is watching,” he advises those just starting out, recalling his own teenage summer job shipping cases of soda. Powell combines the insight he gained serving in the top ranks of the military and in four presidential administrations, as well as the lessons learned from his hardscrabble upbringing in the Bronx and his training in the ROTC. The result is a powerful portrait of a leader who was reflective, self-effacing, and grateful for the contributions of every employee, no matter how junior.

Powell's writing--straightforward, accessible, and often very funny--will inspire, move, and surprise readers. Thoughtful and revealing, his book is a brilliant and original blueprint for leadership.

1110766612
It Worked For Me: In Life and Leadership

New York Times Bestselling Author

Colin Powell, one of America's most admired public figures, reveals the unique lessons that shaped his life and career

It Worked for Me is a collection of lessons and personal anecdotes that shaped four star-general and former Secretary of State Colin Powell's legendary career in public service. At its heart are Powell's “Thirteen Rules,”-notes he accumulated on his desk that served as the basis for the leadership presentations he delivered throughout the world.

Powell's short-but-sweet rules such as “Get mad, then get over it” and “Share credit,” are illuminated by revealing personal stories that introduce and expand on his principles for effective leadership: conviction, hard work, and above all, respect for others. In work and life, Powell writes, “It is the human gesture that counts.”

A compelling storyteller, Powell shares parables both humorous and solemn that offer wise advice on succeeding in the workplace and beyond. “Trust your people,” he councils as he delegates presidential briefing responsibilities to two junior aides. “Do your best--someone is watching,” he advises those just starting out, recalling his own teenage summer job shipping cases of soda. Powell combines the insight he gained serving in the top ranks of the military and in four presidential administrations, as well as the lessons learned from his hardscrabble upbringing in the Bronx and his training in the ROTC. The result is a powerful portrait of a leader who was reflective, self-effacing, and grateful for the contributions of every employee, no matter how junior.

Powell's writing--straightforward, accessible, and often very funny--will inspire, move, and surprise readers. Thoughtful and revealing, his book is a brilliant and original blueprint for leadership.

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It Worked For Me: In Life and Leadership

It Worked For Me: In Life and Leadership

by Colin Powell, Tony Koltz

Narrated by Colin Powell

Unabridged — 7 hours, 41 minutes

It Worked For Me: In Life and Leadership

It Worked For Me: In Life and Leadership

by Colin Powell, Tony Koltz

Narrated by Colin Powell

Unabridged — 7 hours, 41 minutes

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Overview

New York Times Bestselling Author

Colin Powell, one of America's most admired public figures, reveals the unique lessons that shaped his life and career

It Worked for Me is a collection of lessons and personal anecdotes that shaped four star-general and former Secretary of State Colin Powell's legendary career in public service. At its heart are Powell's “Thirteen Rules,”-notes he accumulated on his desk that served as the basis for the leadership presentations he delivered throughout the world.

Powell's short-but-sweet rules such as “Get mad, then get over it” and “Share credit,” are illuminated by revealing personal stories that introduce and expand on his principles for effective leadership: conviction, hard work, and above all, respect for others. In work and life, Powell writes, “It is the human gesture that counts.”

A compelling storyteller, Powell shares parables both humorous and solemn that offer wise advice on succeeding in the workplace and beyond. “Trust your people,” he councils as he delegates presidential briefing responsibilities to two junior aides. “Do your best--someone is watching,” he advises those just starting out, recalling his own teenage summer job shipping cases of soda. Powell combines the insight he gained serving in the top ranks of the military and in four presidential administrations, as well as the lessons learned from his hardscrabble upbringing in the Bronx and his training in the ROTC. The result is a powerful portrait of a leader who was reflective, self-effacing, and grateful for the contributions of every employee, no matter how junior.

Powell's writing--straightforward, accessible, and often very funny--will inspire, move, and surprise readers. Thoughtful and revealing, his book is a brilliant and original blueprint for leadership.


Editorial Reviews

JUNE 2012 - AudioFile

This is one in a long line of books in which famous people tell us how they used their talents and how we can apply their strategies to our own lives. That the famous person in this case is General Colin Powell makes this book stand out. His experience in war, peace, politics, and international diplomacy gives the work substance and weight. Powell is also one of the rare author-narrators who can support their written work with an effective audio performance. His strong, deep voice conveys assuredness and power. No surprises there—since he’s made a career out of getting people to follow him in terrifically stressful situations. He also has excellent diction and pacing, and he sustains his energy throughout the book. R.I.G. 2013 Audies Finalist © AudioFile 2012, Portland, Maine

Booklist

Inspiring. . . . Powell’s straightforward, revealing, often humorous recollections convey sound advice on leadership and life from a man of great achievement.

The Washington Times

An entertaining read from a charming, accomplished man. . . . A delightful book.

The New York Times Book Review

A great American success story. . . . An endearing and well-written book.

Booklist

Inspiring. . . . Powell’s straightforward, revealing, often humorous recollections convey sound advice on leadership and life from a man of great achievement.

An entertaining read from a charming, accomplished man. . . . A delightful book.” %COMM_CONTRIB%The Washington Times

JUNE 2012 - AudioFile

This is one in a long line of books in which famous people tell us how they used their talents and how we can apply their strategies to our own lives. That the famous person in this case is General Colin Powell makes this book stand out. His experience in war, peace, politics, and international diplomacy gives the work substance and weight. Powell is also one of the rare author-narrators who can support their written work with an effective audio performance. His strong, deep voice conveys assuredness and power. No surprises there—since he’s made a career out of getting people to follow him in terrifically stressful situations. He also has excellent diction and pacing, and he sustains his energy throughout the book. R.I.G. 2013 Audies Finalist © AudioFile 2012, Portland, Maine

Kirkus Reviews

With the collaboration of Koltz (co-author: Leading the Charge: Leadership Lessons from the Battlefield to the Boardroom, 2009, etc.), Powell picks up the thread of his life story. The author rose in the military to become "the first black Army officer to have a four-star troop command." He was chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff during the first Iraq war and served as secretary of state from 2001 to 2005. The release of his first book, My American Journey (2003), fueled a groundswell campaign to nominate him for president in the upcoming election. However, he recognized that he was not cut out for the job despite his proven leadership strengths. He describes how, as he advanced in rank, his military training also prepared him for his role in government. He learned the importance of always focusing on the mission, being resolute in the face of danger and setbacks, not being governed by ego and maintaining a can-do spirit (with the proviso, "I try to be optimistic, but I try not to be stupid"). A good leader, he writes, accepts responsibility for the failure of those in his command, but makes sure to reward them for their successful missions. Unlike the corporate world, the Army recruits from within its ranks, which makes recognizing potential and providing continuing education a primary concern. Powell reviews his profound disagreements with Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld and Vice President Dick Cheney on the handling of the war in Iraq, while taking full responsibility for mistakes made on his watch--e.g., his "infamous speech at the U.N. in 2003" claiming that Saddam Hussein had weapons of mass destruction. An inspiring and useful memoir from a significant figure in 21st-century American politics.

Product Details

BN ID: 2940170153275
Publisher: HarperCollins
Publication date: 05/22/2012
Edition description: Unabridged
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