New York Times Bestselling Author
Colin Powell, one of Americaโs 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 Powellโs legendary career in public service. At its heart are Powellโs โThirteen Rules,โโnotes he accumulated on his desk that served as the basis for the leadership presentations he delivered throughout the world.
Powellโs short-but-sweet rules such as โGet mad, then get over itโ and โShare credit,โ 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, โIt is the human gesture that counts.โ
A compelling storyteller, Powell shares parables both humorous and solemn that offer wise advice on succeeding in the workplace and beyond. โTrust your people,โ he councils as he delegates presidential briefing responsibilities to two junior aides. โDo your best--someone is watching,โ 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.
Powellโs 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.
Colin Powell was born in New York City in 1937. He was a retired four-star general in the United States Army and earned numerous military, civilian, and foreign honors. He served four presidential administrations in a variety of roles, most recently as Secretary of State from 2001 to 2005.