Profile of a Leader: Colin Powell Essay

Lt. Audie L. Murphy’s name stands as one of the most prominent in American military history. He was a figurehead of leadership and the epitome of the seven Army Values (Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity and Personal Courage). He was a model for every soldier to follow, one that overcame every odd that was ever against him and rose to conquer every challenge. In his personal memoir “To Hell and Back”, he expressed a very personal view of what it takes to embody these characteristics which would eventually encourage anyone who reads it. In the next few paragraphs I will expound on his leadership and analyze what it really takes

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.

The legacy leader I have chosen to write about is Brigadier General (BG) Richard T. Ellis (Deceased). BG Ellis was a true influential leader in the United States (U.S.) Army and intelligence community. This paper will discuss how BG Ellis showed leadership attributes and competencies covered in Army Doctrine Publication (ADP) 6-22 and Army Doctrine Reference Publication (ADRP) 6-22. It will also discuss how he influenced leaders and changes in the intelligence community. Finally it will cover how his actions influenced me in my military career.

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 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.

General Colin Powell did the Commencement speech at Howard University on May 25, 1994. He did the speech after a cloud of controversy had happen at the university. A racist Black Muslim made a speech at Howard University. Howard policy is that anybody can express his or her freedom of speech on there campus. As you can figure out, the white community did not think of that very well. Connie Chung did a report saying that Howard University was a racist institution. All of this pressure was coming down at once. Howard said that they did not agree with the Black Muslims beliefs but will let them speak and express their opinions.

“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

Colin Powell had a lot of choices and achievements in life were some of the choices good or bad? He had made some good choices like going to college and some of the choices he had made were not so good. But not just did he have good choices he also had achievements like overcoming a lot of injuries from the army or like being a four-star general in the army

During the Great Depression, he used force against World War 1 veterans and was highly criticized for his action (Simkin). In 1937, he retired from US Army and took up the position as the field marshal and director of national defense in Philippines offered to him by the Philippine government.

In the same year he was one of 16,000 advisers to South Vietnam by the president John F Kennedy.He was wounded by a punji-stick booby trap while patrolling the Vietnamese-Laotian border.His first tour on duty he awarded after the purple heart, and a year later, and won Bronze star.On second vietnam tour on duty from 1968 to 1969, 31-years-old army major was given assignment of investigation the Lai massacre. In this indecent more than 300 civilians was killed by U.S. army forces. He report seemed to refute to the allegation of wrongdoing and stated between American soldier and the Vietnam peoples are excellent. He was injured in a helicopter crash. Despite his injury he managed to rescued his comrades from the burning helicopter, for which he award soldier medal.In all he received 11 millitary decoration, including the Legion of Merit. He earned an MBA at George university in Washington D.C. and won white house fellowship in 1972.He was assign to the office of management and budget during the Nixon administration and made an impression on Caspar and Frank. Both men would consult Powell for advice when they serve as secretary of defense and national security adviser, respectively, in the reagan administration. He served a tour of duty in Korea 1973 as a battalion commander and after that he

Colin Powell was a very successful man, he quoted could every single day. “What I wanted was to do the best I. .By doing my best every day, day after day, year after year, I finally got to the top” and he did.

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

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.

“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.