Colin Powell: A Failure Of Leadership

A great leader who I admire is Colin Powell. He was born on April 5th, 1937 to immigrant parents, Luther and Maud Powell, from Jamaica. He was raised in the south Bronx and graduated from Morris High School in 1954. While studying geology at a community college he decided to join into the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program. He graduated from the program in 1958 and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army. He married his wife, Alma Vivian Johnson in 1962 and they have three children together.

Most people recognize Colin Powell as one of the most admired and popular leaders of our time. Often times in leadership you will not always be popular or admired, so what makes this leader different? It was those core values ingrained in him at early age by his parents that would shape him as a future leader (Koltz & Powell, 2012). As with any great leader he’s had his fair share of trials and tribulations, but like an infantry officer he continued to press forward. Colin Powell has been a visionary and ethical leader since the early days of Persian Gulf to Washington’s corridors (Roth, 1993). Throughout my research he has become a personal inspiration for me due to his ability to inspire and motivate those around him. Let’s take a brief look into his background to provide a better understanding of his leadership style.

Colin Powel had distinct view and understanding of various types of leadership traits and identified ways to use them in conjunction with daily operations. He developed 18 different types of leadership traits that results in true and great leadership. As I study this 18 leadership traits, I side with him on his believe that these traits makes a good leader. I can also relate to almost all of the leadership styles.

George S. Patton was one of the most highly regarded and successful military leaders in the history of the United States. His military career spanned from the expedition into Mexico throughout WWII. His ability to inspire his troops with his profane filled speeches and his position of always leading from the front gained him vast popularity and fame. Many political leaders considered him too controversial and intemperate at times. This reputation often overshadowed his determination and success as a commander. His bravery and many contributions to several of America’s war efforts has established him as one of the greats in American military history.

“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader” (John Quincy Adams). Growing up under a founding father, John Quincy Adams perceived leadership as a responsibility to inspire others rather than a position in which one simply has power over others. John Quincy Adams observed his father John Adams, who took upon a great responsibility to inspire an entire nation; a nation that is now known for freedom and opportunity. John Adam’s inspiration has come a long way, as he had the ability to lead a nation into success rather than tarnish the beauty of it. Collaborative leadership in an authoritative manner, which was seen in John Adams, is what drives one to success, as a leader should be open-minded

George Patton was one of the most significant generals in world war two his contributions in the war played a great role to the victory in the west. If it wasn’t for the momentous battles he commanded, then the war would have lasted even longer maybe ending in the Nazis conquering the west. General George Patton rose the ranks and fought in both World Wars making him an experienced General. Patton committed his life to his country and proved he loved it when he strived to preserve freedom from those who would wish to take

This is evident in is rapid progression of his Army career by the age of 31 he was an Army major. By the time he was 35 General Powell had obtained his MBA and began his political career through a White House fellowship. In 1972, he became a Brigadier General. He was also a trusted adviser in both President Carter and Reagan administrations. President George W. Bush would appoint Colin Powell, secretary of state, obtaining the highest rank in civilian government ever held by an African-American, at that time.

George Marshall was not only a soldier but a statesman as well. He made monumental changes as well as achieving peace. He did this with carefully designed and calculated plans throughout his career. Without a doubt General Marshall is a man of war but even more so a man of peace.Without the many brilliantly devised plans that General Marshall devised, war may have raged on and communism may have spread. This was significant to the decorated war hero. This man that was called upon to lead in America's darkest time to lead. While he is a soldier he is also a statesman. He has held many positions and has received many awards and commendations. Even with being called “ the true organizer of victory”

Colin Powell achieved many extraordinary goals in his lifetime. He was known as being a strong, successful man, and he still is today. Powell was a four star general in the U.S. Army. Colin Powell once said, “ What I really wanted was to do the best I could every single day. By doing my best every day, day after day, year after year.

In the beginning Colin Powell always wanted to do his best every day, and after many days and years he finally made it to the top. Colin Powell’s life choices made him who he is now.

As a Non Commissioned Officer in the Pennsylvania Army Nation Guard, I realize the importance and value of good leadership. A leader has to be able to understand and support their men, have initiative, be quick on their feet, and accept responsibility for their actions. The personal traits that I look for in a leader are courage, commitment, candor, competence, and integrity. Out of these the most important one to me, is integrity. A man’s word is his bond and the most important leadership trait there is. Looking back, the man I see as a great leader that possesses these traits is Ret. General Colin Powell. Colin Powell is one of the greatest military leaders in this country’s history. He served this country

Secretary of Defense Gates’s greatest strategic leadership competency was communication. Secretary Gates gathered military, political and public support by communicating clearly and professionally.

General Powell displays transformation leadership through individualized consideration. “IC involves dealing with others as individuals and considering their needs, abilities, and aspirations as you work together to further their development.” General Powell’s Army background influences the idea of taking raw iron and fashioning it into a sword; as noted in his quote “leaders are made, not born” implies leadership is a shaping process. Transformational leaders who display individual consideration tend to coach and mentor, excel in two-way communications, listens effectively, and personalize interactions with subordinates. Part of General Powell’s principle of empowerment is an investment in the leadership potential of team members. This investment is necessary in sustaining productive organizations.

After additional service in Washington and an assignment as a brigade commander in the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, Powell returned to Washington in the late 1970s, attaining the rank of major general and holding advisory posts in the Pentagon and briefly in the Department of Energy. He next served at Fort Carson, Colorado, and at Fort Leavenworth before becoming military assistant to Weinberger, then secretary of defense in the Reagan administration, in 1983. While Powell was assisting Weinberger, the National Security Council (NSC) began looking at the possibility of sending American missiles to Iran in the hope of expediting the release of American hostages in the Middle East and turned to Powell to provide certain information about the missiles desired by Iran. Powell complied but subsequently questioned the scheme in writing, reminding the NSC leadership that there was a legal obligation to inform Congress of the proposed arms transfer. When it was pointed out that the plan had presidential authorization, Powell did what was requested of him. The illegal missile transfer was later exposed as a key element in the controversial Iran-Contra scandal. Powell's demonstrated record of opposition to the illegality of the transfer and his excellent demeanor in testifying before congressional investigating

“ Always do your very best!” This is the theme that inspired Colin Powell throughout his life. He learned to live this mantra from determination, living conditions and his parents.