It Worked for Me: In Life and Leadership (Hardcover) (Colin L. Powell & Tony Koltz)

About the Book

A collection of lessons and personal anecdotes that have shaped the four-star general and former Secretary of State's legendary career in public service. At its heart are "13 Rules"--notes he accumulated in his career that are now the basis for his leadership presentations.

Book Synopsis

Colin Powell, one of America's most admired public figures, reveals the principles that have shaped his life and career in this inspiring and engrossing memoir.

A beautiful companion to his previous memoir, the #1 New York Times bestseller My American Journey, Powell's It Worked for Me: In Life and Leadership is a trove of wisdom for anyone hoping to achieve their goals and turn their dreams into reality.

A message of strength and endurance from a man who has dedicated his life to public service, It Worked for Me is a book with the power to show readers everywhere how to achieve a more fulfilling life and career.

From the Back Cover

It Worked for Me is filled with vivid experiences and lessons learned that have shaped the legendary public service career of the four-star general and former Secretary of State Colin Powell. At its heart are Powell's Thirteen Rules--notes he gathered over the years and that now form the basis of his leadership presentations given throughout the world. Powell's short but sweet rules--among them, Get mad, then get over it and Share credit--are illustrated by revealing personal stories that introduce and expand upon his principles for effective leadership: conviction, hard work, and, above all, respect for others. In work and in life, Powell writes, it's about how we touch and are touched by the people we meet. It's all about the people.

A natural storyteller, Powell offers warm and engaging parables with wise advice on succeeding in the workplace and beyond. Trust your people, he counsels as he delegates presidential briefing responsibilities to two junior State Department desk officers. Do your best--someone is watching, he advises those just starting out, recalling his own teenage summer job mopping floors in a soda-bottling factory.

Powell combines the insights he has gained serving in the top ranks of the military and in four presidential administrations with the lessons he's learned from his immigrant-family upbringing in the Bronx, his training in the ROTC, and his growth as an Army officer. The result is a powerful portrait of a leader who is reflective, self-effacing, and grateful for the contributions of everyone he works with.

Colin Powell's It Worked for Me is bound to inspire, move, and surprise readers. Thoughtful and revealing, it is a brilliant and original blueprint for leadership.

Review Quotes

"An entertaining read from a charming, accomplished man. . . . A delightful book."--The Washington Times