It Worked for Me: In Life and Leadership

I have always admired Colin Powell. I have a liking for the element of military discipline which cuts throught nonsense and gets to the point and have always felt that Colin Powell embodies this. Except for the fact that he pronounces his name wrong. Although he does make a reasonable excuse for that somewhere in the last quarter of the book.

The rest of the book is probably fairly predicatble in its content but worthwhile for all that. There are nuggets in here which translate into other aspects of life but the bias is, as expected, to see things from the perspective of a military background. Its not about fighting but it is about winning if that makes any sense.

I'm delighted that Powell does his own narration and the last few minutes where he does a bit about recording the audiobook are an absolute delight. It feels like this is a really clever guy chatting about something he has just done that has got him a bit excited - absolute audio gold.

I don't really like his politics or what he seems to represent in terms of the Bush administration but he is clearly an incredible man, an incredible leader and a brilliant role model. This is an inspirational and uplifting book from someone who has really done a lot in life and got there through hard work and decency. Highly recommended.

This is not Gen Powell best book but since I think he can do no wrong, it gets extra stars.
I was surprised to hear his take on conversations with Pres Regan and Pres George W -- my take was completely different! Still, Gen Powell is a proven leader and diplomat so maybe his take it the correct one even though it gives me fits of eye-rolling. The good Gen doesn't mind people disagreeing with him, in fact he encourages debate. That keeps me from feeling disloyal. Phew!

He does add interesting details to both Iraq wars and the war in Afghanistan. Add this information to that found in The Art of Intelligence by Henry Crumpton and an interesting picture of D.C. decision making develops. It's especially interesting for those who participated in those wars.

This book was full of Gen. Powell's advice and anecdotes for everything from family to work to leadership to life. I learned a great deal from his discussions of his 13 Rules of Leadership. There were bits of information that I can apply immediately. I thought this book was so useful that I will buy the print version just so I can have it to more easily refer to. The General does a great job reading the book and the stories he tells have much more impact coming from his own lips. I have recommended this book to my friends in the military and out, and highly recommend it as required reading for anyone in a leadership role. You'll take away a great deal of life lessons from this book - it's definitely worth the time, money, and effort!

The book had a good flow from start to finish, I found myself compelled from one section to another.

The humility and quality of the material presented gave it credence. So often books like this feel contrived and I didn't get that impression from Mr. Powell at all.

The fact that Colin Powell read his own work gave it a credibility that I think would be difficult for an actor reading the same material.

I enjoyed the book much more than I expected to.

It's one of the better audio books I've purchased. Sometimes your excited to get a book but after listening for for a while you become disappionted. Not the case with this book.

I enjoyed listening to his thirteen rules and how he appiled them.

This is the first book of his I have ever listened to. He dose a great job of with the performance. I would not have gotten the book if he ( Colin Powell ) did not read it himself, nor would I have enjoyed so much.

When the old jewish tot shop owner pulled a young Colin aside and informed him that he, Colin, would not be inheriting the shop one day. The jewish imigrant told colin that he had to much potential to run a toy store. Although, Colin had no aspirations to run the store, he appreciated that a mentor would pull him aside to tell him he had value.

This is one of the few audio books I've listened to more than once.

Mr. Powell was a polish performer with insightful wisdom to share.

Mr. Powell's life experiences and shared insight is easy to apply to your own learning.

Don't be a busy bastard.

Yes.

A beautiful journey.
How else could we ever, ever learn some of what he has experienced.
Clear concise knowledge, straight from the gut.
Even though I'm not very aware of the American history, this book will be a companion for time to come.
Thank you Mr Colin, thank you very much

I normally listen to Sci-Fi books, but I am ex military and wanting to move up into a leadership role at work. Mr. Powell has always been a role model for me so I thought I would take a listen to his book. I was pleasantly surprised that he is the narrator of this book. By far this is now my favorite book.

Busy Bastards, because my work is full of them. They are not who you think. Read the book.

No

I would love to have the time to sit down and hear this book all at one time. His answers fit perfectly into the military mantra that is already installed within me. I have listened to parts over already because I was in awe of how he expanded to deal with a situation.

Mr. Powell’s book is a great read for any veteran that is transitioning into the “real world”.

This book has some very solid principles for leadership that might not be know to a new leader. I think anyone who has been recently promoted to a leadership position should hear this book. Having Gen Powell read it himself makes it that much better.