• 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

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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Worth the Listen

Sec. of State Powell provided words of wisdom that every person can benefit from.

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A Life Worth Emulating

I prefer books read by the author. If an actor reads it are they using the right emphasis and where it should be? if I read it, do I really know where the emphasis should be and what inflection to use. Yes, I prefer books read by the author. Colin Powell excelled in his presentation and that made the book that much more impactful and personable.

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Life Lessons and insights worth learning

An audiobook I will definitely have to revisit in order to instill the many lessons included within it.

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Nice man

A great book that is wonderfully written and the man is a huge idol to look up to. Highly recommended book!

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Well worth your time

Awesome book on a life well lived. Very inspiring, your start is not your ending.

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“Leadership must be about people”

General Powell’s book display his focus on people. While on the Joint Staff, GEN Powell brought us into his office to thank us for successful completion of a task. He had us gather around for a photo, and sent all of us a signed copy. I have always been inspired by the general and statesman. I would have voted for him for president, if he had run.

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Awesome book

very inspiring, great book for those looking to lead as a true human being.

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excellent book from an excellent leader

Colin Powell is a natural Storyteller and it was a real joy to hear this in his voice. great reading for leaders and aspiring leaders.

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Every leader should read this book!

Every leader should read this book! Very valuable insight regarding people, failure, success and personal responsibility for each. Great read!

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It also works for me!

Any additional comments?

This is a good book.I did read the advices given within this book and put them into practice……now I can say: It works for me also!! 

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