It Worked for Me: In Life and Leadership

by Colin Powell

“Why would you want to wear someone else’s T-shirt? You are your own brand. Remain free and wear your own T-shirt.”

“Whenever you place the cause of one of your actions outside yourself, it’s an excuse and not a reason.”

Years later, as a brigadier general in an infantry division, I thought I was doing my best to train soldiers and serve my commander. He disagreed and rated me below standards. The report is still in my file. It could have ended my career, but more senior leaders saw other qualities and capabilities in me and moved me up into more challenging positions, where I did well.

I am paying them for the quality of their work, not for the hours they work.