Leadership of Colin Powell
No one can question the successful leadership of Colin Powell. He has been one of the most successful American leaders of the past 30 years. General Powell talks about several key leadership points in this short leadership video.
"Look forward, not back" If you've always got your eye on the rear view mirror you'll fail to see the truck coming at you head on. You'll also miss many of those new opportunities ahead of you.
"Subordinates get the work done" If you're doing their job, who is doing your job?
"Leaders put people in the best position to achieve the purpose of the organization" In my opinion one of the most critical leadership skills. Finding and putting the right people in the right (subordinate) leadership positions can have a enormous positive impact on an organization. Take the time to find the one or two people that can impact your organization in the way you want. Finding the Tipping Point
of your organization and put those leaders in positions of authority there. Conversely, we all know the negative impact that the wrong person in the wrong leadership position can have.
"Convey a Sense of Purpose to every person in your organization" As General Powell says the best leaders are the ones who can clearly convey "What we are here for" to everyone in the unit. This takes time and work. Talk with your Marines in formal and informal settings. Two-way communication is critical. Ask them what they think their purpose is? How do they fit into the unit's purpose. If the word isn't getting down to the troops, find out where the breakdown is and fix it quickly.
"Take care of your troops" The cornerstone of Marine Leadership. Never put your people in a position that you wouldn't put yourself in. Your Marines will follow you anywhere if they know what they are doing, why they are doing it and they trust you. Trust doing not come from saying the right things, it comes from setting the example and doing the right things. Set your Marines up for success. If you do the right things and take care of your Marines, the mission will be accomplished every time.
Resources
The Leadership Secrets of Colin Powell
My American Journey
The Powell Principles: 24 Lessons from Colin Powell, a Battle-Proven Leader (Mighty Managers Series)
Soldier: The Life of Colin Powell (Vintage)
"Look forward, not back" If you've always got your eye on the rear view mirror you'll fail to see the truck coming at you head on. You'll also miss many of those new opportunities ahead of you.
"Subordinates get the work done" If you're doing their job, who is doing your job?
"Leaders put people in the best position to achieve the purpose of the organization" In my opinion one of the most critical leadership skills. Finding and putting the right people in the right (subordinate) leadership positions can have a enormous positive impact on an organization. Take the time to find the one or two people that can impact your organization in the way you want. Finding the Tipping Point
of your organization and put those leaders in positions of authority there. Conversely, we all know the negative impact that the wrong person in the wrong leadership position can have. "Convey a Sense of Purpose to every person in your organization" As General Powell says the best leaders are the ones who can clearly convey "What we are here for" to everyone in the unit. This takes time and work. Talk with your Marines in formal and informal settings. Two-way communication is critical. Ask them what they think their purpose is? How do they fit into the unit's purpose. If the word isn't getting down to the troops, find out where the breakdown is and fix it quickly.
"Take care of your troops" The cornerstone of Marine Leadership. Never put your people in a position that you wouldn't put yourself in. Your Marines will follow you anywhere if they know what they are doing, why they are doing it and they trust you. Trust doing not come from saying the right things, it comes from setting the example and doing the right things. Set your Marines up for success. If you do the right things and take care of your Marines, the mission will be accomplished every time.
Resources
The Leadership Secrets of Colin Powell
My American Journey
The Powell Principles: 24 Lessons from Colin Powell, a Battle-Proven Leader (Mighty Managers Series)
Soldier: The Life of Colin Powell (Vintage)
Posted by Leading Marines.com at 1/1/2010 10:38 AM 
Categories: Notable Leaders
Tags: leadership video military leadership leadership tips
Categories: Notable Leaders
Tags: leadership video military leadership leadership tips
General Powell has done an about face on Don't ask Don't tell. He has completely forgotten where he came from and in our strong opinion has let down our great military and every Soldier, Sailor, Airman, Marine and Coast Guardsman. We currently have the best military in the history of the world. Turning it into the likes of Great Britain, Australia, the Netherlands or Canada. No offense to our Allies, but your militaries are not capable of coming close to ours. This is and will be a complete disaster for those bearing the heaviest burden in this fight. The Grunts, Gunners, Tankers, Combat Engineers - the ones who count on the man in the hole next to him day in, day out for months. So much for combat cohesion. It is a sad day. You should be ashamed General.
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