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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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It Worked for Me summary
Colin Powell
Tony Koltz
In Life and Leadership
18 mins
Brief summary
It Worked for Me by Colin Powell with Tony Koltz is a memoir that shares Powell's leadership lessons, emphasizing the importance of preparation, communication, and empathy. The book is a valuable guide for those interested in personal and professional development.
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It Worked for Me
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Colin Powell’s 13 rules
After Colin Powell took over as the head of the US Army's Forces Command in 1989, the magazine Parade penned a cover story on him. This was where his 13 Rules of Leadership were born. These principles, which embodied Powell’s philosophy on leadership and management, went on to become widely celebrated and referenced in both the military and across different industries.
Let’s take a brief look at each one:
Rule #1: Remember to be optimistic, even during challenging times. Things may or may not work out in your favor, but it’s essential to keep a winning attitude. By projecting positivity, you can inspire your followers to push through difficulties.
Rule #2: It’s only natural to get mad – but make sure not to stay mad. Learn to move past your anger. Don’t wait until you start losing control of yourself.
Rule #3: Separate your ego from your position. This is especially crucial when you realize you’re in the wrong. If your ego isn’t tied to your position, your self-esteem won’t be affected by mistakes.
Rule #4: Adopt a can-do attitude. Until you have enough evidence that says you can’t, always believe that you can. But that doesn’t mean you should jump in without doing your research. Keep the challenges and opposing viewpoints in mind at all times.
Rule #5: Be mindful of your decisions, because you’ll have to face the consequences. When making a choice, carefully weigh the potential benefits and risks.
Rule #6: Challenge the adverse facts when making decisions. Instead of being hindered by these setbacks, look for ways to overcome them. Draw on your instincts and experience to find solutions.
Rule #7: Your decision is your responsibility, so don’t be swayed by other people’s opinions and desires. You can be open to their feedback and advice, but always remember that the final decision rests with you.
Rule #8: Take note of the little things, even those at the lowest levels of your organization. Although they’re small, they often make the biggest difference. You, as a leader, should personally check on them or have members of your team follow up.
Rule #9: Don’t hog all the credit for yourself – share it with your followers. The best way to do this is through thoughtful gestures. Give your teammates a pat on the back, or tell them that you recognize their hard work.
Rule #10: Be kind and calm in the middle of chaos. This prevents your followers from panicking, which helps you get the job done.
Rule #11: Determine a purpose for your organization. For your followers to function effectively, they need to know why they’re doing what they’re doing – and internalize it. Set this purpose, create the standards to achieve it, and then guide your followers to meet these standards.
Rule #12: Don’t let negative voices hold you back. In life, there will always be doubters and moments of fear. Acknowledge them, and learn to move forward in spite of them.
Rule #13: Perpetual optimism can multiply your forces. Believe that you’ll succeed, and your followers will believe it, too. But optimism alone isn’t enough – you also need to invest in training and preparation to ensure that your followers are equipped to succeed.
These 13 rules can serve as your framework for becoming an effective leader – but there’s a lot more at play, which we’ll explore in the next sections.
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What is It Worked for Me about?
It Worked for Me (2012) imparts Colin Powell’s practical wisdom on becoming an effective leader. It’s largely based on his time in the military and public service, and the insights he gained from his experiences in these positions.
It Worked for Me Review
It Worked for Me by Colin Powell with Tony Koltz (2012) is a memoir that offers valuable lessons on leadership, service, and life. Here are three reasons why this book is an excellent read:
- Featuring wisdom from a highly respected leader, it provides practical insights that can be applied to various aspects of life.
- Through humorous anecdotes and personal stories, Powell shares his experiences and the lessons he learned along the way, making the book engaging and relatable.
- With its emphasis on integrity, discipline, and perseverance, this book motivates and inspires readers to strive for personal and professional growth.
Who should read It Worked for Me?
- Experienced leaders looking to improve their leadership techniques
- Military personnel who’d like to learn from a four-star general
- Anyone who aspires to be a leader
Categories with It Worked for Me
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It Worked for Me FAQs
What is the main message of It Worked for Me?
The main message of It Worked for Me is the power of leadership and personal anecdotes from Colin Powell's life.
How long does it take to read It Worked for Me?
The reading time for It Worked for Me varies depending on the reader. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is It Worked for Me a good book? Is it worth reading?
It Worked for Me is worth reading because it offers valuable insights into leadership and shares practical lessons from a highly successful individual.
Who is the author of It Worked for Me?
The author of It Worked for Me is Colin Powell with Tony Koltz.
What to read after It Worked for Me?
If you're wondering what to read next after It Worked for Me, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Tiny Habits by BJ Fogg
- Be Useful by Arnold Schwarzenegger
- Call Sign Chaos by Jim Mattis
- A Brief History of Time by Stephen Hawking
- On War by Carl von Clausewitz
- The Ten Commandments for Business Failure by Donald R. Keough
- The 11 Laws of Likability by Michelle Tillis Lederman
- Work Rules! by Laszlo Bock
- Psychological Types by Carl Jung
- Original Love by Henry Shukman