• 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 (2,827 ratings)

Prime logo Prime members: New to Audible?
Get 2 free audiobooks during trial.
Pick 1 audiobook a month from our unmatched collection.
Listen all you want to thousands of included audiobooks, Originals, and podcasts.
Access exclusive sales and deals.
Premium Plus auto-renews for $14.95/mo after 30 days. Cancel anytime.
It Worked for Me  By  cover art

It Worked for Me

By: Colin Powell
Narrated by: Colin Powell
Try for $0.00

$14.95/month after 30 days. Cancel anytime.

Buy for $24.74

Buy for $24.74

Pay using card ending in
By confirming your purchase, you agree to Audible's Conditions of Use and Amazon's Privacy Notice. Taxes where applicable.

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.

More from the same

What listeners say about It Worked for Me

Average customer ratings
Overall
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    2,148
  • 4 Stars
    486
  • 3 Stars
    144
  • 2 Stars
    33
  • 1 Stars
    16
Performance
  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    2,021
  • 4 Stars
    333
  • 3 Stars
    86
  • 2 Stars
    20
  • 1 Stars
    9
Story
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    1,847
  • 4 Stars
    440
  • 3 Stars
    132
  • 2 Stars
    24
  • 1 Stars
    14

Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.

Sort by:
Filter by:
  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Biography of a great man

Loved listening to Colin reading his auto biography. Learned from his stories and testimonies. I would recommend it to any who like history. I will miss Colin and feel blessed listening to his reading.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Memorable memior of a modern, historical lead

Great stories, well told and lived. He's humble, accomplished, and wise. Read it to learn not only about the man, but his country (USA), the world, and his times.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Best leadership book for me so far!

Colin was such an amazing guy. I took many ideas away from listening to his book.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

" Yes, Sir! "

It was so good to hear his voice again and for Colin to tell HIS story. This will be an enjoyable experience for you.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

My daily sit down with the General

I listened to this during my very short drive to & from work. I was what I expect General Powell would have told me if I had a daily mentoring moment with him.
I really appreciated the information he provided

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Great lessons!

If you can believe that you can be better than UR, this book will help you find a way to do so.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
  • k
  • 07-19-18

Great!

Amazing lessons learned. General Colin Powell is an amazing teacher. I would love to see this book become required reading in schools.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

excellent read and coaching

excellent coaching for new leaders. great example of servant leadership. using to train newly promoted supervisors

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Excellent Book

excellent book! Thoroughly enjoyed it and the messages contained within. The narration was perfect with the General doing it himself! Highly recommend this title!

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

A great work

I enjoyed this book so much. Hearing General Powell read his own words and realness in his voice made it hard to put down. He is truly an American gem and though no longer with us physically he has left his mark on all our lives and is an inspiration to me and so many others.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!