Synopses & Reviews
The Wall Street Journal, BusinessWeek, New York Times, and USA Today Business Bestseller!WORDS, WISDOM, AND INSIGHTS FROM ONE OF AMERICA'S MOST COMMANDING FIGURES
Inspiration from the man who went from humble beginnings in Harlem to the office of Secretary of State
Colin Powell is the classic American success story. Born in Harlem to immigrant parents, Powell rose through the ranks of the U.S. military to become chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and a soft-spoken, steel-willed Desert Storm hero. Always seemingly one step ahead of both allies and competitors, he quickly became one of America's most trusted and beloved public icons, acknowledged for his courage, his compassion, and his ability to forge victory under the most trying circumstances.
The Leadership Secrets of Colin Powell recounts Powell's core beliefs on leadership, negotiation, self-knowledge, and more. Based on an article written by Oren Harari after Harari met Powell and heard him speak, an article so compelling that it became the subject of a front-page feature in the Wall Street Journal, this leadership primer reveals the secrets and insights that made Colin Powell the success he is today. Short, snappy, and packed with Powell's depth and spirit, it will help readers inspire anyone to achieve extraordinary performance.
COLIN POWELL ON:
- COMMUNICATION
"The day soldiers stop bringing you their problems is the day you have stopped leading them."
- LEADERSHIP
"Great leaders are almost always great simplifiers, who can cut through argument, debate, and doubt to offer a solution everybody can understand."
- RESPONSIBILITY
"Being responsible sometimes means pissing people off."
Synopsis
Colin Powell has established an entirely new paradigm for leadership excellence. Through four U.S. presidents and countless world crises including the current high-stakes campaign against global terror the blunt-spoken four-star general has grown to become one of the world's most effective, bottom-line leaders.
The Leadership Secrets of Colin Powell goes beyond other books to take an in-depth look into the foundations of Powell's compelling leadership style. With penetrating insight, it examines:
- Powell as Provocateur: Techniques Powell uses to encourage group debate and consistently arrive at the best solution
- The Powell Character: The Powell model for assuming the role of leader and setting a positive tone throughout any organization
- Powell Principles: Concise yet powerful credos that have guided Powell through times of triumph and doubt
Sparked with insights and observations that are refreshingly honest and realistic,
The Leadership Secrets of Colin Powell is the most comprehensive exploration of Colin Powell's goal-driven approach to leadership.
About the Author
Oren Harari, Ph.D.,is a professor of management at the McLaren Graduate School of Business, University of San Francisco. A prominent author, speaker, and consultant in the areas of competitive advantage, organizational change, and transformational leadership, Harari is the author or coauthor of six previous books, and has contributed to Harvard Business Review, California Management Review, Industrial Relations, Small Business Reports, and numerous other professional publications.
Table of Contents
ProloguePart I: The Defiant PowellChapter 1: Don't be afraid to "piss people off"Chapter 2: Foster a "clash of ideas"Chapter 3: Maintain distance between your ego and your positionChapter 4: Push the envelopeChapter 5: Look beyond the surface and face the truthChapter 6: Challenge professionals on their home courtPart II: Powell on Strategy and ExecutionChapter 7: Keep mission simple, the message clearChapter 8: People-not plans-executeChapter 9: Master details to gain an edgeChapter 10: Beware of experts and elitistsChapter 11: Let situation dictate strategyChapter 12: Talent-not resumes-drives performanceChapter 13: Trust the leader in the trenchesPart III: The Powell CharacterChapter 14: The Powell WayChapter 15: Optimism is a "force multiplier"Chapter 16: Take work seriously, not yourselfChapter 17: Prepare for lonelinessEpilogue: Powell on the first war of the 21st century