• It Worked for Me

  • In Life and Leadership
  • By: Colin Powell
  • Narrated by: Colin Powell
  • Length: 7 hrs and 41 mins
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (2,821 ratings)

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It Worked for Me  By  cover art

It Worked for Me

By: Colin Powell
Narrated by: Colin Powell
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Publisher's summary

Audie Award Nominee, Personal Development, 2013

It Worked for Me is filled with vivid experiences and lessons learned that have shaped the legendary career of the four-star general and former Secretary of State Colin Powell. At its heart are Powell's "Thirteen Rules" - such as "Get mad, then get over it" and "Share credit" - that introduce his principles for effective leadership: conviction, hard work, and, above all, respect for others.

A natural storyteller, Powell offers warm and engaging parables with wise advice on succeeding in the workplace and beyond. "Trust your people," he counsels as he delegates presidential briefing responsibilities to two junior State Department desk officers. "Do your best - someone is watching," he advises those just starting out, recalling his own teenage job mopping floors in a factory.

Powell combines the insight he gained in the military and four presidential administrations with lessons from his immigrant-family upbringing in the Bronx and his training in the ROTC. The result is a powerful portrait of a leader who is reflective, self-effacing, and grateful for everyone he works with.

A brilliant and original blueprint for leadership, Colin Powell's It Worked for Me is bound to inspire, move, and surprise readers.

Includes an interview with the author.

©2012 Colin Powell (P)2012 HarperCollinsPublishers

Featured Article: 55+ Powerful and Inspiring Quotes to Guide Your Leadership Journey


What makes a great leader? While leadership styles vary, most experts agree that the best leaders have key characteristics in common. Gathered from a wide range of audiobooks—classic novels, management guides, sci-fi thrillers, political memoirs, and more—this collection of quotes reinforces and reflects on seven hallmarks of every great leader. These quotes offer insights to help you develop core leadership qualities and rise to the calling.

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What listeners say about It Worked for Me

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Very inspirational!

What did you love best about It Worked for Me?

The personal feel it gave. Colin Powell let you into his mind and his personal life. I literally stopped and jotted down notes prior to a job interview while listening to this recording.

What was one of the most memorable moments of It Worked for Me?

Colin Powell went to two schools that I was very familiar with in New York. It solidafied his street cred :)

Have you listened to any of Colin Powell’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

N/A

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

When he advised, get mad and get over it. Those were serious words of wisdom.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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This book changed my view!

I’ve always had my own thoughts about how I felt about Colin Powell politically. However, when I put those thoughts to the side, I could really appreciate the leader that he was and whom he was as a man. He was so much more introspective and thoughtful than I would have ever known. When we were assigned this book as part of my doctoral coursework in ethical leadership at Hood College in Frederick, MD, I will admit that I was not excited about it. However, that sentiment quickly dissipated after reading the first chapter! Colin Powell was a remarkable man with an impressive legacy, and after reading this book I’m reminded of the old saying, “never judge a book by its cover.” I learned so much about how to be a better person and leader! It has life lessons within its pages that I will refer to for years to come! Thank you so much, General Powell, and may you rest in eternal peace.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

The 13 Lawas

the level of openness and taking responsibility even for events that didn't work out well for him impressed me. The 13 rules caught my attention and frim there, I had ri finishthe book
A book worth one's time

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    5 out of 5 stars
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The transparency in this book is refreshing

Gen. Colin Powell is a really down to earth guy with a great outlook on life. This was a really good book

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Engaging, Impactful and Valuable Insight

General Powell's narration was engaging. I am grateful for the opportunity to hear his leadership and life advice in his own words. Thank you for your service and for your insight.

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Wonderful Story!

I throughly enjoyed this book and listening to Colin tell it. Yes, I recommend it!

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Thank you, sir,

Inspirational stories and lessons for a lifetime. How beautifully written. How very much we miss you, General.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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His anecdotes and passion.

To hear Gen Powell’s journey, thoughts, and insights were wonderful to hear. His ownership in the good or bad is a reflection of his leadership.

A great thanks to his staff, family, friends, and colleagues - you helped make his stories worthy.

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Great stories !!

This books contains many great stories from the General with some real life humor and application that can be enjoyed by all.

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Great Listen

I enjoyed the stories to by Mr. Powell I decided to purchase the physical book and read it again. I wish his principles were applied throughout my organization.

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