Endeavors succeed or fail because of the people involved.
COLIN POWELLEndeavors succeed or fail because of the people involved.
COLIN POWELLDon’t take counsel of your fears or naysayers.
COLIN POWELLDon’t just count your days, make your days count.
COLIN POWELLWe are not trapped in what the science of management says we can do. We are capable of doing what the art of leadership says is possible.
COLIN POWELLThe day soldiers stop bringing you their problems is the day you have stopped leading them.
COLIN POWELLI regret that the presentation I made at the UN turned out to be wrong. It was wrong on the stockpiles of weapons of mass destruction, but pretty much right on intentions and capabilities.
COLIN POWELLLook for intelligence and judgment and, most critically, a capacity to anticipate, to see around corners. Also look for loyalty, integrity, a high energy drive, a balanced ego and the drive to get things done.
COLIN POWELLLeaders have followers. The primary role of a leader is to convey to those followers a sense of purpose, vision, and mission.
COLIN POWELLBe careful what you choose: You may get it.
COLIN POWELLPerpetual optimism is a force multiplier.
COLIN POWELLThe most important thing I learned is that soldiers watch what their leaders do. You can give them classes and lecture them forever, but it is your personal example they will follow.
COLIN POWELLLeadership is all about people. It is not about organizations. It is not about plans. It is not about strategies. It is all about people-motivating people to get the job done. You have to be people-centered.
COLIN POWELLNever neglect details. When everyone’s mind is dulled or distracted the leader must be doubly vigilant.
COLIN POWELLHave a sense of humor to break the tension in times of great toil.
COLIN POWELLDon’t be buffaloed by experts and elites. Experts often possess more data than judgment. Elites can become so inbred that they produce hemophiliacs who bleed to death as soon as they are nicked by the real world.
COLIN POWELLThe essence of leadership is building bonds of trust in your organization.
COLIN POWELL