The opening chapter begins with his "13 Rules" for Life and Leadership.
The "Powell Principles" actually inspired Willow Creek's, Bill Hybels to pen his own book of leadership proverbs called: Ax-i-om - another great read for anyone serving in a leadership capacity.
Leaders identify, articulate and frequently share phrases, sayings, quotes, proverbs which help them to communicate their leadership philosophy and to guide them through various decision making processes.
I found Powell's "13 Rules" to be both encouraging and challenging reminders on my own leadership journey...
I hope you find them to be equally helpful to you.
1. It ain't as bad as you think. It will look better in the morning.
"This rules reflects an attitude and not a prediction. A good night's rest and the passage of 8 hours will usually reduce the infection." Give it a little time.
2. Get mad, then get over it.
Get mad...then get over it! =)
3. Avoid having your ego so close to your position that when your position falls, your ego goes with it.
"Loyalty is disagreeing strongly, and loyalty is executing faithfully."
4. It can be done!
"Don't surround yourself with instant skeptics. At the same time, don't shut out skeptics and colleagues who give you solid counter views."
5. Be careful what you choose. You may get it.
"Don't rush into things...you will have to live with your choices"
6. Don't let adverse facts stand in the way of a good decision.
"Superior leadership is often a matter of superb instinct. When faced with a tough decision, use the time available to gather information that will inform your instinct"
7. You can't make someone else's choices. You shouldn't let someone else make yours.
"We are taught in the military to take full responsibility for everything your unit does or fails to do, and what you do or fail to do. Since ultimate responsibility is yours, make sure the choice is yours and you are not responding to the pressure and desire of others."
8. Check small things.
Check small thinks a.k.a Sweat the small stuff a.k.a the devil is in the details a.k.a the little foxes spoil the vines.
9. Share credit.
"Share the credit and take the blame. Whenever you place the cause of one of your actions outside yourself, it's an excuse and not a reason."
10. Remain calm. Be kind.
Be angry - sin not!
11. Have a vision. Be demanding.
Set vision and set up to fulfill vision.
12. Don't take counsel of your fears or naysayers.
"How many cynics built empires, great cities, or powerful corporations?"
13. Perpetual optimism is a force multiplier.
"Perpetual optimism, believing in yourself, believing in your purpose, believing you will prevail, and demonstrating passion and confidence is a force multiplier. If you believe and have prepared your followers, the followers will be believe."
Consider adding this book to your summer reading and consider coming up with your own lists to share with others.
I still have stripes to earn and dues to pay so my advice is borrowed, stolen and plagiarized. Here are a few of "my" leadership axioms...
+ character is king
+ measure twice, cut once
+ real recognize real
+ are you smoking what you selling?
+ people buy YOU before they buy WHAT you're selling
+ facts are your friends
+ sometimes a teacher, always a student
+ what you 'do' is not who you 'be'
+ life...on purpose!
I'll keep working my list...what is your list look like.
Ralph
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