Three Minute Leadership: Powell’s Thirteen Rules of Leadership
To: The Great Leaders Who Have a Passion for Continuous Learning
Colin Powell reminds great leaders: “A dream doesn’t become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination and hard work…. The day soldiers stop bringing you their problems is the day you have stopped leading them. They have either lost confidence that you can help them or concluded that you do not care. Either case is a failure of leadership.” Powell’s thirteen rules of leadership capture the force, reality and simplicity of highly effective, caring leadership:
- It ain’t as bad as you think. It will look better in the morning.
- Get mad, then get over it.
- Be careful what you choose. You may get it.
- Don’t let adverse facts stand in the way of a good decision.
- Check small things.
- Share credit.
- Remain calm. Be kind.
- Have a vision. Be demanding.
- You can’t make someone else’s choices. You shouldn’t let someone else make yours.
- Avoid having your ego so close to your position that when your positions fall, your ego goes with it.
- Don’t take counsel of your fears or naysayers.
The rules speak to self-awareness and control, attention to detail, focus on results, vision and humility. They are about being in the game and on the field. May your leadership inspire confidence and trust in those whom you serve. Your magnificent being is the key to the magnificent doing. Be more than you ever dreamed you could be… and more… so much more.
Have a beautiful day and a magnificent week!!!
Mike
