Colin Powell

and his

Thirteen Rules of

Leadership

Who is Colin Powell?

First African Americanto serve as National Security Advisor

First African American to serve asChairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

First African American to serveas Secretary of State

About Colin Powell

Colin Powell is a well respected and admired former military leader and government official who served in the administration of four presidents.

Powell was born on April 5, 1937 in Harlem, New York.

He attended the City College of New York and graduated in 1958 with a Bachelor of Science degree in geology.

He also attended George Washington University where he received a master’s in business administration in 1971.

Powell also attended the National War College (NWC) and graduated in 1976.

The mission of the NWC is to educate future leaders of the Armed Forces, Department of State, and other civilian agencies for high-level policy, command and staff responsibilities by conducting a senior-level course of study in national security strategy.

Colin Powell joined the United States Army in 1958 and served for thirty-five years.

He has received numerous awards and citations for his service, including the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star and the Purple Heart.

Powell retired from the military in 1993 as a Four-Star General.

Colin Powell

and his

Government Service

National Security AdvisorFrom November 1987 to January 1989, Colin Powell served as National Security Advisor to President Ronald Reagan.

The National Security Advisor serves in the Executive Office of the President and advises the president on foreign policy, intelligence and national security.

Powell and President Reagan

Chairman of theJoint Chiefs of Staff

Colin Powell served as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff from October 1, 1989 until September 30, 1993.

The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff is the chief military advisor to the President.

He served as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff under Presidents George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton.

Colin Powell (r) and President Ronald Reagan (l)

Joint Chiefs of Staff (Colin Powell seated 3rd from left)

Secretary of StateColin Powell served as

Secretary of State for

President George Bush

from January 20, 2001

to January 26, 2005.

The Secretary of State is the President’s chief foreign affairs advisor.

Colin Powell (l)President George W. Bush (2nd from l)

During his long career in public service Colin Powell collected or made up quotes and aphorisms that helped him be an effective leader.

Thirteen of those quotes or aphorisms became Powell’s blueprint for leadership and, today, are used by others to help them be better leaders.

The following slides contain Powell’s 13 rules of leadership.

Discuss each rule.

What do you think each means?

Think about examples in your life or in current events where the rule was applied or could/should have been applied.

Powell’s

Thirteen Rulesof

Leadership

Rule One

It ain’t as bad as you think.

It will look better in the morning.

Rule Two

Get mad, then get over it.

Rule Three

Avoid having your ego so close to your

position that when your position

fails, your ego goes with it.

Rule Four

It can be done.

Rule Five

Be careful what you choose:

You may get it.

Rule Six

Don’t let adverse facts stand in

the way of a good decision.

Rule Seven

You can’t make someone else’s choices.

You shouldn’t let someone else make yours.

Rule Eight

Check small things.

Rule Nine

Share credit.

Rule Ten

Remain calm. Be kind.

Rule Eleven

Have a vision. Be demanding.

Rule Twelve

Don’t take counsel of your fears or naysayers.

Rule Thirteen

Perpetual optimism is a force multiplier.