It Worked for Me - by Colin Powell (Paperback)

About the Book

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."

Book Synopsis

New York Times Bestselling Author

Colin Powell, one of America's most admired public figures, reveals the unique lessons that shaped his life and career

It Worked for Me is a collection of leadership lessons and personal anecdotes that shaped four star-general and former Secretary of State Colin Powell's legendary career in public service. At its heart are Powell's "Thirteen Rules,"--notes he accumulated on his desk that served as the basis for the leadership presentations he delivered throughout the world.

Powell's short-but-sweet rules such as "Get mad, then get over it" and "Share credit," are illuminated by revealing personal stories that introduce and expand on his principles for effective leadership and professional development: conviction, hard work, and above all, respect for others. In work and life, Powell writes, "It is the human gesture that counts."

A compelling storyteller, Powell shares parables both humorous and solemn that offer wise advice on succeeding in the workplace and beyond. "Trust your people," he councils as he delegates presidential briefing responsibilities to two junior aides. "Do your best--someone is watching," he advises those just starting out, recalling his own teenage summer job shipping cases of soda. Powell combines the insight he gained from his storied career in military leadership, serving in the top ranks of the military and in four presidential administrations, as well as the lessons learned from his hardscrabble upbringing in the Bronx and his training in the ROTC. The result is a powerful portrait of a leader who was reflective, self-effacing, and grateful for the contributions of every employee, no matter how junior.

Powell's writing--straightforward, accessible, and often very funny--will inspire, move, and surprise readers. Thoughtful and revealing, his book is a brilliant and original blueprint for business leadership.

How did a kid from the Bronx become one of the most respected leaders on the world stage?

• Powell's Thirteen Rules: The simple, powerful maxims he kept on his desk, including "Get mad, then get over it" and "Share credit."
• A Leader's Memoir: Go behind the scenes with revealing, humorous, and solemn personal stories from his time as a four-star general and Secretary of State.
• Career Development Advice: Learn why trusting your people and doing your best--even in a summer job shipping soda--are the keys to succeeding in the workplace and beyond.
• Public Service Motivation: Understand the conviction and respect for others that drove his legendary career through four presidential administrations.

From the Back Cover

One of America's most admired public figures reveals the principles that have shaped his life and career, and sets forth a thoughtful, brilliant, and original blueprint for leadership.

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"--such as "Get mad, then get over it" and "Share credit"--which 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. He offers warm and engaging parables with wise advice on succeeding in the workplace and beyond.

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.

Review Quotes

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

"Inspiring. . . . Powell's straightforward, revealing, often humorous recollections convey sound advice on leadership and life from a man of great achievement." - Booklist

A great American success story. . . . An endearing and well-written book." - The New York Times Book Review

"Eloquent." - Los Angeles Times Book Review

"A book that is much like its subject--articulate, confident, impressive, but unpretentious and witty. . . . Whether you are a political junkie, a military buff, or just interested in a good story, My American Journey is a book well worth reading." - San Diego Union-Tribune

"Colin Powell's candid, introspective autobiography is a joy for all with an appetite for well-written political and social commentary." - Detroit News