Colin Powell Pros And Cons

Colin Powell’s “It Worked For Me in Life and Leadership” (2012) is a riveting book that discusses in great detail the simple but often-fundamental leadership principles that have been consigned to oblivion by most people and leaders. The evocative book provides a basis on which one can evaluate their strengths and weaknesses in leadership in all dimensions, particularly at the work place and suggests other areas of improvement that the reader can asses to ensure proper development. Through careful, frequent and honest evaluations from both self and others, it is possible for a person to become the best version of himself or herself; in turn, this contributes to a well-rounded leader.

My leadership philosophy revolves entirely around the Army Values. In every action I take as a leader, I assess whether or not it lines up with the Army Values and the potential impacts. I have had a variety of leadership assignments during my career, all requiring a different leadership approach, spanning from team leader through platoon sergeant. My conflict resolution skills have greatly evolved through my twelve years in the Army, from rudimentary conversations to in depth problem solving. My professional development has had a profound effect on my leadership abilities, from NCOPD’s to mentorship from senior non-commissioned officers (NCO’s).

Colin Powell left a lasting influence on America by illustrating favorable choices. He was an accomplished man. From influencing the army to government decisions, he truly changed America for the better.

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.

He started at the Naval Academy and eventually worked his way up to the point where he became the United States Senator of Arizona. Although McCain did not win the Presidency in 2008, he was exposed to more of the political world, he become an exceptional Senator and he’s successfully handled international relations. McCain is a well versed and strong political leader who was had many accomplishments. He was even held hostage and tortured for about six years and never spoke a word about U.S. information. John McCain is a well respected war hero and would do a great job as Commander and Chief.

He was the Joint Chief of Staff from 1989 to 1993. He was the first and only African American to hold that position.

Imagine being sent on a mission with one job to do and in a split second, crisis erupts. Life as you know it as has just been dismantled and changed forever. Would you respond immediately to the crisis or would you complete the mission and finish the job that you came to do? Colin Powell, throughout his life, has been on a mission and he has consistently finished each job with appropriate actions that have led others to follow. I believe and claim that Colin Powell is a visionary and an ethical leader because of his actions, decisions, and behaviors through out his career.

Throughout my life and my military career I have experienced various leadership styles, from civilian employers to military Officers and Non-Commissioned officers alike. Each had their own approach to leadership, some I found to be effective and others I did not. I have attempted to create a leadership philosophy based on a fusion of the leaders I have encountered and my own personal experiences.

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

Barack Hussein Obama a former senator for Illinois and the forty fourth president of United States. Obama is also the first president to be elected who was born outside the lands of the United States. He was elected as president January 20, 2009 – January 20, 2017 serving a total of 8 years of presidency. President Obama is a part of the Democratic Party. In Obama’s 2 terms of service he has changed domestic and foreign policy and had a lot of influence in healthcare reforms.

After reading all 18 of Colin Powell leadership principles, three of the principles stood out that I could identify with. The first, “Being responsible sometimes means pissing people off.”

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.

However, leaders will earn a lot of reputation, honor, and respect from that decision if it made a positive outcome. I have found General MacArthur’s own leadership principle during research and thought this is going to be very helpful in the future once I become an officer in the Army. He also mentioned that “Any leader who applied these principles would never have trouble from their charges.” Therefore, definitely these principles are very important as a leader. General MacArthur had his own leadership

In his book “It Worked for Me: In Life and Leadership,” Powell talks about his 13 rules he developed and continues to live by to this day. The rules range from checking you ego and staying optimistic. He gives different examples of his 13 rules with stories and tips that are both thought provoking and value focused regardless if the audience is military or civilian. In my review and analysis I will cover some of

“Always do your best!” This is the theme that inspired Colin Powell throughout his life. He learned to live his mantra from work ethics, determination and courage to make his life a successful one. He was alleged to “Strive for a good education, and make something of his life.” Well he did not do that at first he was abating in school barely passing.