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  • 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 (2,842 ratings)

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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.

What listeners say about It Worked for Me

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wow, just wow

Colin Powell is quite the character, I would love to read more books by him!

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Leadership and great people are rare Colin Powell

His is a rare American reading this book would help America. Great book a must read.

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Wonderful!!!!!

Thank you sir for this wonderful production.I truly enjoyed listening .I also enjoyed listening to My American Journey. You are truly An American Hero.

Glenn Caffey

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Interesting Anecdotes and Leadership Applications

Colin Powell is a great example of someone who started in tough circumstances and became a success through hard work and grit. Many of the experiences related in the book have leadership applications beyond military or government. Being read by the author always makes the stories more personable.

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what I expected and much much more!

Dr. Powell truly demonstrates how to Win!
First self accountability , Think, Focus, Appreciation,Team winning!

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Necessary for a young leader

Necessary for a young leader. A frank conversation with someone who has accomplished things that most don't.

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Amazing Leader Incredible Example

Colin Powell was an amazing leader and an incredible example. We need more of his particular brand of strength, kindness and leadership in America right now. Definitely worth your time.

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Great content with great narration

Great content with great narration. As a government employee, I really enjoyed it and learned a lot.

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Great Stand-alone chapters

This book is personal as well as inspirational. Not all authors are good readers but General Colin Powell reads with feeling and inflection. You can listen to a chapter or two, stop and do something else, and enjoy another chapter without having to memorize everything that came before. It would be worth it to have the print copy as well. There is a lot of good advice and humor to share with others.

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Awesome read...genuine!

I’ve had the pleasure of listening to General Powell speak. I’m so glad he read it for us. I serve under him very indirectly during desert storm and have always admired him. Admire him even more with this book! Enjoy!

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