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6th out of 20 books
—
15 voters
It Worked for Me: In Life and Leadership
It Worked for Me is filled with vivid experiences and lessons learned that have shaped the legendary public service career of the four-star general and former Secretary of State Colin Powell. At its heart are Powell's "Thirteen Rules"—notes he gathered over the years and that now form the basis of his leadership presentations given throughout the world. Powell's short but...more
Hardcover, 304 pages
Published
May 22nd 2012
by Harper
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Colin Powell is one of those people that I once admired and currently want to admire. He went into the army, rose up the ranks to become a four-star general, and served as Secretary of State. He’s an icon. A moderate Republican.
Then the Bush administration happened and Powell was given an impossible mission – to get other countries to not just accept an American invasion of Iraq, but support an American invasion of Iraq. A moderate in the Bush administration – his credibility was sacrificed in...more
Then the Bush administration happened and Powell was given an impossible mission – to get other countries to not just accept an American invasion of Iraq, but support an American invasion of Iraq. A moderate in the Bush administration – his credibility was sacrificed in...more
My boss gave this book to our firm's leadership team. There were a lot of good nuggets, mostly common sense type advice. More compelling is his personal story, including attending CIty College of New York (CCNY) after what he describes as being an average high school student. CCNY was free, enabling those less fortunate in NY to attend college. Powell squeaked by with a GPA just over 2.0 which was aided by his high ROTC grades. He says in the book that he is often asked why he didn't attend West...more
Chapter 35: February 5, 2003
This is the chapter wherein Colin Powell recaptures my respect.
The date – February 5, 2003 – which for Powell is so seared into his consciousness that it is the equivalent of other folks’ memories of the day Kennedy was shot or when they first heard of the planes flying into the Trade Center. For Powell, 2/5/03 marked his appearance before the UN to make the Bush Administration’s case that a pre-emptive strike against Iraq was warranted by Saddam’s possession of Weapo...more
This is the chapter wherein Colin Powell recaptures my respect.
The date – February 5, 2003 – which for Powell is so seared into his consciousness that it is the equivalent of other folks’ memories of the day Kennedy was shot or when they first heard of the planes flying into the Trade Center. For Powell, 2/5/03 marked his appearance before the UN to make the Bush Administration’s case that a pre-emptive strike against Iraq was warranted by Saddam’s possession of Weapo...more
Drudgery to try and plod through this book with phrases like, You are not in Kansas anymore. Very unappealing writing style.
Two things I found especially admirable:
1. His work ethic—In chapter 2 he talks about his summer job in the Bronx unloading a truck for 50 cents an hour and later, what would now be considered menial, jobs that he did to get through school. Jamaicans have a joke: “That lazy brute, him only have two jobs.” Hard work has become my personal soapbox. Powell said, “I emphasize,...more
Two things I found especially admirable:
1. His work ethic—In chapter 2 he talks about his summer job in the Bronx unloading a truck for 50 cents an hour and later, what would now be considered menial, jobs that he did to get through school. Jamaicans have a joke: “That lazy brute, him only have two jobs.” Hard work has become my personal soapbox. Powell said, “I emphasize,...more
What can you say about a book with a title like this? “It Worked for Me?” That the writer is a self-aggrandizing braggart which is what was running through my head. However, to my surprise Powell comes across as a fairly humane guy albeit with a military stiff presence that somehow has retained a deep humanity that bespeaks his upbringing as the son of immigrant parents.
He was in town as part of the City Club and did a Q & A with a local TV celebrity that mostly involved softball questions h...more
He was in town as part of the City Club and did a Q & A with a local TV celebrity that mostly involved softball questions h...more
Well thought out book...considering the background of Colin Powell, I was expecting it to be real heavy reading but he made a great effort to have an easy read but yet thought provoking. I loved the way he shared all sides of his life not limiting it to his military experiences. Since I am retired military but not quite as accomplished as the author I was relieved that I did not have his military walk...the story probably would not have turned out as well...The greatest part about this book is h...more
I just finished reading Colin Powell's book. I’ve always admired him. He exemplifies courage, strength of character, focus, and discipline. Powell is an excellent example of the rewards of having a strong-work ethic, loyalty, faith, and believing in one’s self. The book is full of examples throughout his career of the life and leadership lessons he has learned and shared with others. He starts the book with his 13 Rules. Here are some of them:
1.It Ain’t As Bad As You Think. It Will Look Better I...more
1.It Ain’t As Bad As You Think. It Will Look Better I...more
I really enjoyed this book. The best of the book regards General Powell's experiences in the military and as Secretary of State. His leadership principles are generally interesting, I found them as very similar to most books on Leadership. Every leader has to kind of reinvent the wheel and find what works. The more valuable part of the book is Powell's openness to discussing his own thought processes. I could not help to admire the man. Powell is down to earth and pragmatic. He is a product of R...more
Upon seeing that Powell had a new book out last year, I badly wanted to read it. Taking advantage of my local library's e-book holdings, I was able to do so.
I've long been a fan of Powell, who I see as a sort of classy, timeless, throwback leader whose style is based on fundamental values, the likes of which we need more of in today's world. This book only served to verify and strengthen my views. It's essentially a book chock full of anecdotes from a lifetime of public service in the military a...more
I've long been a fan of Powell, who I see as a sort of classy, timeless, throwback leader whose style is based on fundamental values, the likes of which we need more of in today's world. This book only served to verify and strengthen my views. It's essentially a book chock full of anecdotes from a lifetime of public service in the military a...more
I had wanted to read this book for sometime when a friend loaned me her copy, even before she read it!!! Colin Powell shares some incredible "truths" that have proven the test of time and a complex career. These principles can really fit well into your own world and religious life.
Just a few thoughts to tickle you into reading the book - Colin discussed how you "can never be too kind to someone else, you don't know how much they need it". Also, everyone is important, not just the people at the...more
Just a few thoughts to tickle you into reading the book - Colin discussed how you "can never be too kind to someone else, you don't know how much they need it". Also, everyone is important, not just the people at the...more
In the book, "It worked for Me" Mr. Powell offers examples how he dealt with people from his lowly beginnings as a fourteen year old stocker of shelves at the local toy store in the Bronx and Harlem, driving truck, going to college at City College of New York. Yes, he never went to the Military Academy.
Throughout his military career which culminated in being the Commander of the Joint Chiefs to being appointed Sectary of State and working for four different presidents, Powell utilizes what he ca...more
This is not Gen Powell best book but since I think he can do no wrong, it gets extra stars.
I was surprise to hear his take on conversations with Pres Regan and Pres George W -- my take was completely different! Still, Gen Powell is a proven leader and diplomat so maybe his take it the correct one even though it gives me fits of eye-rolling. The good Gen doesn't mind people disagreeing with him, in fact he encourages debate. That keeps me from feeling disloyal. Phew!
He does add interesting detai...more
I was surprise to hear his take on conversations with Pres Regan and Pres George W -- my take was completely different! Still, Gen Powell is a proven leader and diplomat so maybe his take it the correct one even though it gives me fits of eye-rolling. The good Gen doesn't mind people disagreeing with him, in fact he encourages debate. That keeps me from feeling disloyal. Phew!
He does add interesting detai...more
Published in 2012 by Harper
Colin Powell updates his 2003 memoir My American Journey with It Worked For Me: In Life and Leadership . The book is really two books. The first part is an expansion on an article that was written about him for Parade magazine in 1989. In that article he listed 13 rules he had for life:
1) It ain't as bad as you think. It will look better in the morning.
2) Get mad, then get over it.
3) Avoid having your ego so close to your position that when your position falls, your e...more
Colin Powell updates his 2003 memoir My American Journey with It Worked For Me: In Life and Leadership . The book is really two books. The first part is an expansion on an article that was written about him for Parade magazine in 1989. In that article he listed 13 rules he had for life:
1) It ain't as bad as you think. It will look better in the morning.
2) Get mad, then get over it.
3) Avoid having your ego so close to your position that when your position falls, your e...more
Lots of great leadership tidbits.
This is a book of thrown together mostly military stories and quotes that meant something to Mr Powell over his career. It sounds like its written the way Colin Powell would speak and each story is singular not being tied to the other stories. However, I respect Colin Powell to the nth degree and reading this book gave me some insight into how he views his leadership roles, and how he became, in my eyes, so good at doing EVERYTHING that he did. I read half of this book in fairly quickly and spee...more
This is a difficult book to rate. I actually read it because I saw him interviewed on book tour for this book; but while waiting on its arrival from the library, I read his first book "My American Journey". Reading both was too much. The first book is way too much detail; the second is way too parallel to the first book. Powell has had an iconic life. His rise from Harlem to 4 stars is awesome. His mistakes will reside with him right beside his glory and he knows it. It is believable that he pre...more
Jun 06, 2012
Sheldon
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
leadership,
biography
Excellent read from Gen. Powell... some good tips / insights from moments in his life. I'm biased because Colin is one of my favorite leaders but I think anyone can pick up a thing or two from his thoughts. He gives some lessons he took from various points in his life (so it's not just when he became more of a public figure) and mixes it with some personal preferences.
It's a relatively short book which I think is perfect... long enough you feel like you come away with something but not so long y...more
It's a relatively short book which I think is perfect... long enough you feel like you come away with something but not so long y...more
I listened to the Audible.com verison of this book, read by General Powell.
First, General Powell writes in a very straight-forward, simplistic, way. You can tell he isn't a "trained" writer. Nor is he a brilliant performer reading it. You can frequently hear edit breaks, and voice tone changes. Honestly, none of this bothered me.
There were a number of things in this book that I really enjoyed. His rules are well-known now, and quite good. It was interesting to hear his take on them. I really ap...more
First, General Powell writes in a very straight-forward, simplistic, way. You can tell he isn't a "trained" writer. Nor is he a brilliant performer reading it. You can frequently hear edit breaks, and voice tone changes. Honestly, none of this bothered me.
There were a number of things in this book that I really enjoyed. His rules are well-known now, and quite good. It was interesting to hear his take on them. I really ap...more
My mother recommended this book to me. I've not really followed General Powell, though I knew that I liked him well enough and that he has a very good reputation. He recently went on a speaking tour with this book and I was unable to attend, and I wish I'd been able to go.
This really isn't my style of book, but I liked the book well enough. A lot of his reflections are, of course, related to his military career, so I have a difficult time following along with what he's saying, much less make the...more
This really isn't my style of book, but I liked the book well enough. A lot of his reflections are, of course, related to his military career, so I have a difficult time following along with what he's saying, much less make the...more
I enjoyed Powell's anecdotes regarding principles taught and followed, lessons learned and sometimes not learned over the course of his military career, and then as a diplomat. I appreciated his candor with which he spoke about his mistakes. He seems to me a very sincere man, which is a quality sorely missing in today's public figures.
I did feel the anecdotal style of this book lessened my enjoyment of it. I would have much preferred a linear narrative, a continuation of sorts of the biography h...more
I did feel the anecdotal style of this book lessened my enjoyment of it. I would have much preferred a linear narrative, a continuation of sorts of the biography h...more
I love Colin Powell and would have voted for him for president, so I really feel guilty for the three stars. He is a true patriot with tremendous character but the problem is this is generally a self help and I have heard most of his tips in other books or in interviews on television. The other problem is that I am 60 plus and the tips he gives I really don't need at this point in my life. This is a book for the young. I read the book because of how much I admire the man and still do. Some of h...more
I won't lie, there are some seriously dull bits in this. However, I love finding out that Colin Powell is a street kid. He's a regular guy that feels he could change the world through his Hot Dog Diplomacy.
He talks of family, life, military and how he got here. I really enjoyed the book. I look forward to buying a copy and reading and marking it up.
Now I think this book will only truly strike a cord with a very specific person possibly at a specific point in one's life.
Leadership, common sens...more
He talks of family, life, military and how he got here. I really enjoyed the book. I look forward to buying a copy and reading and marking it up.
Now I think this book will only truly strike a cord with a very specific person possibly at a specific point in one's life.
Leadership, common sens...more
I loved this book,. I have always respected Colin Powell. I also taught gifted children for many years and love anything motivating. The author combines good common sense, motivation and antidotes to transmit his message. I appreciate his "life lessons" and the back story
\ that illustrate each new "life lesson". I have decided this is one of the few books I will purchase and reread. I also want to save it for my grandchildren to read later in life. He has shown me the "American dream" A poor bo...more
\ that illustrate each new "life lesson". I have decided this is one of the few books I will purchase and reread. I also want to save it for my grandchildren to read later in life. He has shown me the "American dream" A poor bo...more
2.5 stars on this. Interesting leadership style, but the writing is pretty stiff and simplistic. I like his approach to creating a cohesive team, regardless of private, public or military constructs. Still, there's not much depth to this book or the stories themselves.
General Powell comes off as a reachable public figure, fairly well-grounded in his roots. He recognizes his short-comings, but didn't allow those limitations to prevent him from striving for more. Pretty cool dude, honestly.
General Powell comes off as a reachable public figure, fairly well-grounded in his roots. He recognizes his short-comings, but didn't allow those limitations to prevent him from striving for more. Pretty cool dude, honestly.
Aug 16, 2012
Jessica
rated it
3 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
people in management or leadership positions
Listened to the audiobook with Powell reading. His voice is easy to listen to and without a monotone. I appreciated the narrative examples behind his 13 rules about leadership, and would recommend it to others in management or leadership positions. I will say, though, I felt like the last two discs I could take or leave... the meat of the book was pretty much done after the wrap-up of the 13 rules and I felt like it was just going on and on after that. Overall a good read/listen.
Jun 24, 2012
Jerry Hilts
rated it
2 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
autobiography-memoir
If you're looking for a memoir of the inner workings of the Cabinet, the run up to the second Iraq war, or other key events of Gen. Powell's turn as Secretary of State under George W. Bush, keep looking.
This is instead a collection of light anecdotes and advice of the sort your grandfather might give you when you graduate high school. Most of it ranges from the trite to the obvious.
I admire Gen. Powell and his accomplishments immensely, but this was a pretty big waste of time.
This is instead a collection of light anecdotes and advice of the sort your grandfather might give you when you graduate high school. Most of it ranges from the trite to the obvious.
I admire Gen. Powell and his accomplishments immensely, but this was a pretty big waste of time.
Feb 06, 2013
Ariel
rated it
3 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
books-read-2013,
winter-2013
I wish this had been more detailed, less pontificating, and had structure. However, it was interesting, and the anecdotes were good. Plus I listened to this on my iPod, and Colin Powell has such a nice voice. I liked what he had to say in, what, chapter...36? About not being one of those people who whines about what's gone wrong with them. I've never really thought about the fact that moving past failures is beneficial to others, as well as yourself. Thanks, General.
Sep 23, 2012
Lana Geselbracht
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
non-fiction
Colin Powell has some really down-to-earth but I believe effective ways that we should all treat people, especially subordinates in the workplace. He has valuable information to impart about leadership and one's responsibility when in such positions. Although he was talking about the military experience I believe these words of wisdom would be equally useful in business or school administration environments. So many things underlined and worth re-reading.
Jul 08, 2012
Fredrick Danysh
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
leadership,
biographies
General Powell addresses his ideas regarding leadership citing examples. Waht is says is common sense that is often ignored in all fields and not just the military. Unlike quite a number of similar works out there, Powell names names with praise but doesn't give the names of baad leaders. This is a very gentlemanly work and emphasises leadersip traits that I learned in the Marine Corps as an enlisted man. His best advice is take care of your people and be honest.
I love a great parable, probably why I enjoy the Bible, greek epics, Hemingway and yes, even Shakespeare. I should consider being an English teacher, oh wait, I am! General Powell tales a good story and follows it up with what he learned from the tale in such a way the reader can learn something as well. I've encouraged several of my students to read it in hopes they will learn from it. Experience is a tough teacher and maybe he can save them from making a tragic one. Hey, I wouldn't even mind i...more
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General Colin Luther Powell, United States Army (Ret.) KCB (Honorary) is an American politician. He was the 65th United States Secretary of State (2001-2005), serving under President George W. Bush. He was the first Jamaican American appointed to that position. As a General in the United States Army, Powell also served as National Security Advisor (1987–1989) and as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of...more
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“The day you are not solving problems or are not up to your butt in problems is probably a day you are no longer leading. If your desk is clean and no one is bringing you problems, you should be very worried. It means that people don't think you can solve them or don't want to hear about them. Or, far worse, it means they don't think you care.”
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“The ties that bind us are stronger than the occasional stresses that separate us.”
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