Generally Speaking

Last week I was privileged to attend an incredible event - an hour with General Colin Powell.

Ostensibly, he was there to promote his new book "It Worked For Me - In Life and Leadership" but of course it was so much more than that.  HE is so much more than that.  And as soon as he speaks I couldn't help but think THIS is a man I would have liked to have a conversation with, someone I would have enjoyed working with or for, a leader who would have, could have had any job he desired - including President of the United States.

He is a very rare combination of a quiet, thoughtful, charming man with a true passion to do what he feels best-suited to do - lead others and give them the necessary tools to be successful at their jobs.  He is at once confident in his abilities and calm in his actions while exhibiting just the right touch of self-deprecation (so as not to appear falsely modest or insincere).  He listens - really listens - when someone speaks to or with him.  He is dismissive of the notion of surrounding himself with pychophants who would merely reflect what they thought he wanted to hear and instead tries to engage with everyone: a private in the army, the lowest paid employee working the parking garage of the State Department, the President of the United States.

His philosophy is simple and this new book is not one of military strategy but rather a rather rambling list of those simple rules he has followed through the years, ones that he feels have contributed to his success.  If you are familiar with his "13 Rules" from a Parade piece over 20 years ago, this is really a "fleshing out" and explanation of those rules.  It is a quick read and I can't encourage you enough to get this one for your Kindle, your Nook, your iPad, check it out from the library or find a bookstore (do they still have such things?) and buy a *gasp* hardback honest-to-goodness version immediately!

Lucky me!  I'm chatting with General Powell while he autographs my book.

Much too quickly, the hour he was allotted to spend with us was over and we were left to queue up for autographs of his book.  An amazing hour - an amazing man!!!

~later, tw