Colin Powell: An American Hero Speaks Out

by Colin Powell (Narrator)

Excerpts from the general's speeches describe his childhood as the son of Jamaican immigrants, his average school career, and his rise from ROTC in college to four star general and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

1 pages, Audio Cassette

First published December 1, 1995

About the author

General Colin Luther Powell, United States Army (Ret.) KCB (Honorary) was an American politician. He was the 65th United States Secretary of State (2001-2005), serving under President George W. Bush. He was the first Jamaican American appointed to that position. As a General in the United States Army, Powell also served as National Security Advisor (1987–1989) and as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (1989–1993), holding the latter position during the Gulf War.

Reviews

[Timothy Cole · Rating 3 out of 5]

Listened to the audiobook, which was a compilation of interviews/viewpoints in preparation for his possible run for the Presidency.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nothing compelling. Basically, a campaign ad, but can't say I didn't like it.

[Jackie · Rating 3 out of 5]

As one of my past supervisors said: "Colin Powell is very good at leading, but not at cleaning up a mess. He is waiting for times to be less chaotic." This was in the later 1990s. I love his broad understanding of ways speech, his fluency, his grasp of so many facets of topics, his sensitivity to his audience.

13 Rules of Leadership
First printed in the August 13, 1989 issue of Parade magazine,[30] these are Colin Powell's 13 Rules of Leadership.[31][32]

It ain't as bad as you think.
Get mad, then get over it.
Avoid having your ego so close to your position that when your position falls, your ego goes with it.
It can be done.
Be careful what you choose. You may get it.
Don't let adverse facts stand in the way of a good decision.
You can't make someone else's choices.
Check small things.
Share credit.
Remain calm. Be kind.
Have a vision.
Don't take counsel of your fears or naysayers.
Perpetual optimism is a force multiplier.

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[Don · Rating 4 out of 5]

rotc, decisive military response not pin pricks, health care system put in place, medicare cost growth under control, God and family prayer and nurture children 10 Commandments just say no, change welfare remove wrong incentives bring value to life education know right from wrong, woman decides no funding, suppressed outside nyc at gas stations and restaurants, condemn Farrakhan and Furman for racism, move closer to equilibrium, not trying to appeal or offend, unabashed capitalist responsible steward lower taxes, progressed for black person.