Almost one year ago to the day (November 1, 2020) I posted a tribute to one of my heroes, former US Secretary of State – Colin Powell.

Colin passed earlier this week at age 84 from Covid related complications – he suffered from Parkinson’s and Cancer of the blood.

Here’s what I wrote a year ago.  I loved my time with him.  I admired him, respected him, looked up to him and liked him.

The world is a vastly poorer place without him.

The man who should have been President

KR Connect, November 1, 2020

Last week I wrote about a speech I made to the World Business Forum in Milan in October 2007.  It was the first of three times that I met Colin Powell and I was fortunate enough to spend time with him one-on-one reminiscing about his experiences and views.

The first ever African-American Secretary of State, a Four-Star General, a Bronze-Star and a brilliant, pragmatic leader.  He would have been a superb President – but his wife Alma felt it would be too much of a burden for the family to bear.

(Although at 83 years young he’s still in the prime age bracket for Presidential candidates today!!!)

Here are some of the things he told me.

 Colin Powell’s Rules of Leadership.

• It ain’t as bad as you think.  It will look better in the morning.
• Get mad, then get over it.
• Avoid having your ego so close to your position that, when your position fails, 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.  You shouldn’t let someone else make yours.
• Check small things.
• Share credit.
• Remain calm.  Be kind.
• Have a vision.  Be demanding.
• Don’t take counsel of your fears or naysayers.
• Perpetual optimism is a force multiplier.
• All work is honourable.  Always do your best because someone is watching.
• If you are going to achieve excellence in big things, you develop the habit in little matters.
• Dig up all the information you can, and then go with your instinct.
• Never believe the first thing you hear.

Hail to the Chief.

KR