A few of my classes for the Organizational Leadership major have included the “13 Rules” that Colin Powell has come up with that translate into motivation and direction for leaders to follow whether they be four star generals, or in charge of a maintenance department in a factory. For me there are aspects of his life and career that really stand out, but I encourage everyone to take a look at all 13 of his rules and perhaps print them out and hang them somewhere that you’ll be forced to read them everyday as inspiration.
3 of Gen. Powell’s strongest leadership traits or characteristics
- “There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, learning from failure.” (http://www.hargrave.edu/academics/leadership-colin-powell-center-for-leadership-ethics). I believe this is the foundation to being a true leader. Throughout life, everyone has to deal with failures on a regular basis, it is inevitable. It’s how one chooses to learn from those failures that gives them the ability to be a leader. It’s easy to fail and sulk in the face of defeat, but being able to reevaluate your preparation and the work that you put into your efforts is how you learn. A person, with a bit of basic preparation and a willingness to work, a person who is willing to learn can get a great deal accomplished. By learning from their experiences, failures become stepping stones to success.
- Being a leader also entails one’s ability to “lead”. In order to do so successfully, it must be taken into consideration that not everyone is the same, and taking that into consideration will aid you in communicating with employees or co-workers. In an article by LTC Greg Johansen of the U.S. Army, he describes Gen. Powell’s acceptance of people from all different types of race, religions and backgrounds. In discussing Gen. Powell, LTC Johansen praises this trait by saying, “one factor is paramount throughout Colin Powell’s life: his ability to work with and communicate with people from all walks of life. As we consider all of Colin Powell’s achievements throughout his life, the scope of his competencies, and his contributions to the U.S. Army and this nation, we cannot help but regard him as one of our very best strategic leaders of this generation. He has always been receptive to new experiences; he has successfully dealt with constant change, never wavering in his values; no one has ever questioned his integrity. He could have easily “rest on his laurels.” Instead, he remains committed to the most challenging and demanding service to this nation” (http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=5&ved=0CEsQFjAE&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhandle.dtic.mil%2F100.2%2FADA415280&ei=FEanU4zwKNWjyATJ2ICYCQ&usg=AFQjCNFaUfJotBx03wYW2G8-Lp2iwabRcA&sig2=BlFouyu_PGF9sOuRizSYFQ)
- “Remain calm and be kind. Kindness connects you with other human beings in a bond of mutual respect. If you care for your followers and show them kindness, they will reciprocate and care for you.” (http://onesuccess.empowernetwork.com/blog/13-successful-leadership-topics-by-colin-powell) This trait that Gen. Powell speaks of in this quote is one that is very important when being a leader. In the work place giving positive feedback to an employee when hard work and dedication are shown, is something that provides them with the encouragement that will see them continuing to put forth the effort needed to successfully complete the task delegated to them. This is also a way to earn the respect of your employees/followers. Since I believe in the old saying that “respect is earned, not given”, and also the saying that “a little goes a long way”. It isn’t hard to acknowledge someone for working hard and being dedicated to their job. By showing that you care for their hard work, you earn their respect because they know that their dedication means something to you, which goes a long way for many people in the workplace and in life.
