I admire General Colin Powell, former Secretary of State. I saw Colin Powell’s 13 rules of leadership posted online at Management Is A Journey which outlined his operating philosophy. These are great rules for making a great leader.
Rule 1: It Ain’t as Bad as You Think. It Will Look Better in the Morning.
Rule 2: Get Mad Then Get Over It.
Rule 3: Avoid Having Your Ego so Close to your Position that When Your Position Falls, Your Ego Goes With It.
Rule 4: It Can be Done.
Rule 5: Be Careful What You Choose. You May Get It.
Rule 6: Don’t Let Adverse Facts Stand in the Way of a Good Decision.
Rule 7: You Can’t Make Someone Else’s Decisions. You Shouldn’t Let Someone Else Make Yours.
Rule 8: Check Small Things.
Rule 9: Share Credit.
Rule 10: Remain calm. Be kind.
Rule 11: Have a Vision. Be Demanding.
Rule 12: Don’t take counsel of your fears or naysayers.
Rule 13: Perpetual optimism is a force multiplier.
