Excerpt From “Little Things That Win Big Games”
Colin Powell was the American Dream. He grew up in The Bronx & rose from a financially challenged family to become one of the most powerful leaders in the world. An inspiring story. These 24 Principles come from the Book “The Powell Principles” The following is a Book Review that is in my book “Little Things That Win Big Games”
The following are the 24 Principles outlined in the book:
1. Promote a Clash of Ideas – debate and discussion produce new and fresh ideas.
2. Be prepared to “piss” people off – the goal is to be effective not liked.
3. Establish Trust – trust is essential for credibility.
4. Walk the Talk – do as I do.
5. Pick the Right People – seek talent and values not just a resume’.
6. Listen – be an active listener; use every means necessary to communicate.
7. Be Vigilant in Details – mastery of details leads to better execution of the campaign.
8. Be a Disorganizer – complacency leads to mediocrity. Always look to be better.
9. Check Your Ego at the Door –
10. Let Change Lead to Growth – great leaders direct change.
11. Seek Consensus but Don’t Be Ruled by It.
12. Fit no Stereo-types – no one way is the right way.
13. Simplify – effective leaders take the complex and render it into something graspable.
14. Let the Situation Dictate Strategy – avoid one size fits all mentality. Don’t fight yesterday’s
war today.
15. Push the Envelope – no guts no glory.
16. Close with the Enemy – execution matters, a plan is only as good as the zeal to execute.
17. View People as partners – every job is important.
18. Challenge the Pros – disagree without being disagreeable.
19. Don’t Rely on Charts and Titles – leadership is about influence.
20. Trust those in the Trenches – cultivate a spirit of initiation.
21. Make Optimism a Priority – perpetual optimism is a force multiplier.
22. Have Fun in your Command – enjoy yourself.
23. Strive for Balance – do your work and then go home.
24. Prepare to be Lonely – being in command can be lonely.
Little Things that Win Big Games is available at Amazon.