Our nation and the world lost a true giant with the recent passing of Colin Powell–a military leader, diplomat and trailblazer. His calm and direct leadership style reassured the public during uneasy times. I was proud to serve during many of his military years–and I admittedly felt that non-political calm and strong ethical leadership. I share these compassionate words from our current President about this hero:
“General Colin Powell was a patriot of unmatched honor and dignity. The son of immigrants, born in New York City, raised in Harlem and the South Bronx, a graduate of the City College of New York, he rose to the highest ranks of the United States military and to advise four Presidents. He believed in the promise of America because he lived it. And he devoted much of his life to making that promise a reality for so many others. He embodied the highest ideals of both warrior and diplomat. He led with his personal commitment to the democratic values that make our country strong. He repeatedly broke racial barriers, blazing a trail for others to follow, and was committed throughout his life to investing in the next generation of leadership. Colin Powell was a good man who I was proud to call my friend, and he will be remembered in history as one of our great Americans.”
Colin served two tours of duty during the Vietnam War and was wounded twice. I was interested to learn that by the end of his life, he had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s (as well as a blood cancer)–the same as my Army nurse friend, Joel–potentially a result of Agent Orange exposure–a significant price many have paid.
During his years of being a General, he provided these rules which I feel clearly embodies his moral stance.
General Powell’s Rules:
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 you 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 them 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.
Powell was the first Black American to serve as national security adviser, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and Secretary of State. In that role, Powell was initially skeptical of the reasons behind the 2003 invasion of Iraq. But, he took the White House’s claim that Iraq possessed weapons of mass destruction to the United Nations Security Council.
When that proved false, Powell admitted the mistake, lamenting it would stain his career. I believe the contrary. It showed great leadership and strong character to own up to mistakes–how huge is that in our current political culture?
Here is one of the General’s quotes on leadership: “Leadership is solving problems. The day soldiers stop bringing you their problems is the day you have stopped leading them. They have either lost confidence that you can help or concluded you do not care. Either case is a failure of leadership.”
Powell was a major figure in Republican politics, serving under three GOP presidents and featured as a speaker at the 1996 Republican National Convention. But he broke with the party in 2008 to support Barack Obama, and this year he left the party after the Jan. 6 Capitol insurrection.
Powell lived a life of public service and did it with a wonderful combination of professional skill, humility and patriotism. We’d do well to remember what he gave this country and seek out more leaders like him.
Covid19 Humor: A singles ad: “Single man with TP seeks single woman with hand sanitizer for good clean fun”