I discovered this list online taken from the memoir of the ex-US Secretary of State Colin Powell. It is a useful practical listing of leadership advice.
Rule 1
It ain’t as bad as you think. It will look better in the morning.
Rule 2
Get mad, then get over it.
Rule 3
Avoid your ego being so close to your position that when your position falls, your ego goes with it.
Rule 4
It can be done.
Rule 5
Be careful whom you choose.
Rule 6
Don’t let adverse facts stand in the way of a good decision.
Rule 7
You can’t make someone else’s decisions.
You shouldn’t let someone else make yours.
Rule 8
Check small things.
Rule 9
Share credit.
Rule 10
Remain calm. Be kind.
Rule 11
Have a vision. Be demanding.
Rule 12
Don’t take counsel of your fears or naysayers.
Rule 13
Perpetual optimism is a force multiplier.
Thoughts on creating disruptive organisational transformations with design thinking.
Every one worth taking to heart!
ReplyDeleteInteresting, obviously a very clever man, but it does make me wonder...
ReplyDeleteWas it Rule 13 - 'Perpetual optimism', I wonder, that led Colin into the bizarre position and embarrassing public display on 'WMD'. He himself later called that the lowest point of his life.
Perhaps it was the unwritten rule 14, 'Take a bullet for the team'.