• 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 (2,828 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
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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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If you lead a Team, this is a must-read

The stories that develop to describe his journey through leadership are riveting, and the lessons stick! This is a “no BS”, true-to-life guide on how to lead. Dig it!

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Get the book!!!

Loved it!!! And so will you. I've already recommended it to family and put it on social media!

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Exceptional storyline!

I loved the emphasis on education and how that can change one's life! That's changed my life and the message Ican relate to!

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  • 11-23-21

An Inspiration!

The life of this man, leader, and servant has truly inspired me! His life was exemplary, and my only regret is that I did not have the opportunity to meet him before he died.

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Amazing book

This is an amazing book and I highly recommend it for anyone. It is good for anyone of any age.

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Great book for future leaders

Thank goodness he shared his lessons in life and leadership. Many leaders need to take notes

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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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Read ( I mean listened) to it twice, it was that good!

General Colin is a great storyteller, his voice made it feel like I was listening to a wise yet iconic and witty grandpa share his anecdotes about leadership, discipline, perseverance and family values. Everything resonated with me, especially the practicality of his advice. I loved it...thank you pa!

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Very good book.. I didn't want it to end.

What made the experience of listening to It Worked for Me the most enjoyable?

Hearing the wisdom of Powell's life experiences and being able to relate it to my own life, decisions, and challenges.

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

I haven't yet, but I just got his other book because I want more.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I wanted to but I listened to it whenever I had the opportunity.

Any additional comments?

I can't say enough about Colin Powell. He is so relatable. I really admire him as a man, a family man, a soldier, and as a politician. He is a breath of fresh air. I really wanted him to run for President because I believe our country needs him. However, I do understand why he decided not to run. This book was one of the best I have read and I will read it again because it has so many life lessons.

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Great man!

I enjoy hearing life stories from someone I admire. He is just a favorite of mine, so I can't do anything, but admire his life.

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