Be Inspired

The General’s Rules

General Colin Powell’s 13 RULES of LEADERSHIP.  Short, sweet, challenging, true.   

1. It ain’t as bad as you think.  It will look better in the morning.
2. Get mad, then get over it.
3. Avoid having your ego so close to your position that when your position falls, your ego goes with it.
4. It can be done!
5. Be careful what you choose.  You may get it.
6. Don’t let adverse facts stand in the way of a good decision.
7. You can’t make someone else’s choices.
   You shouldn’t let someone else make yours.
8. Check small things.
9. Share credit.
10. Remain calm.  Be kind.
11. Have a vision.  Be demanding.
12. Don’t take counsel of your fears or naysayers.
13. Perpetual optimism is a force multiplier.
    (In the military, one always looks for ways to increase or multiply your forces.)

General Powell, the son of Jamaican immigrants, acsended from humble beginnings to the highest and most influential position in our military.  If his rules  produced that kind of result in a national military career, what could they do for YOU in your neck of the woods?

I am particularly fond of #4, #9, #11, and #13.  To piggyback on last week’s message of taking on the mindset of an entrepreneur v. that of an employee (if you missed that let me know), this week I am challenging you to step up as the LEADER of your organization.  Your employees, students and families are counting on you!