RIP General Colin Powell

[Sua Sponte]

https://apple.news/AIvZwLjRcR3mzLTgXTCCnVQ

[Sim]

[ClearedHot]

Very sad to hear this.

Had the opportunity to meet him a few times, truly a gentleman.  His book A Soldier's Way is a superb read and story of how dedication and hard work and can off in this country.  He was a consummate public servant who likely could have been the first African American President had he decided to run, his wife was against it and he stated he never felt that calling.

His detractors will obviously point to his "Case for War "presented to the UN.  Years later he accepted fault and wished he had trusted his instincts calling the events a great failure of intelligence.

In addition to his autobiography I highly recommend It Worked for Me: In Life and Leadership where he lays out 13 rules common sense rule for life.  I need to do a better job using these in my life.  RIP General Powell.

1. It ain’t as bad as you think. It will look better in the morning.

There’s a silver lining in every cloud, you just have to find it. That’s not always as easy as it sounds. Things might look bad today, but if you’ve put in the effort, tomorrow will be a brighter day. It’s a state of mind; believe it and you will make it happen.

2. Get mad, then get over it.

There’s always going to be days when events—or people—push you to the edge. When you do lose your temper, don’t lose control at the same time. People always remember the leader with a bad temper, and never in a good way.

3. Avoid having your ego so close to your position that when your position falls, your ego goes with it.

People who think that their way is the only way tend to experience a lot of disappointment. Things aren’t always going to go your way, that’s just a fact of life. Be humble enough to accept that fact.

4. It can be done!

Just about anything can be accomplished if you set your mind to it, have the necessary resources, and the time to get it done. Don’t succumb to the skeptics; listen to what they have to say and consider their perspective but stay focused and positive.

5. Be careful what you choose.

Don’t rush into a bad decision. Take the time to consider your options, weigh the relevant facts, and make reasoned assumptions. Once you pull the trigger, there are no do-overs. So make it count.

6. Don’t let adverse facts stand in the way of a good decision.

Powell was fond of connecting good leadership to good instincts. Be a leader who hones judgement and instinct. Take the time to shape your mental models. Learn how to read a situation for yourself. Become the decision-maker your people need you to be.

7. You can’t make someone else’s choices.

Never allow someone else to make your decisions for you. Ultimately, you’re responsible for your own decisions. Don’t duck that responsibility and don’t succumb to external pressures. Make your own decisions and live with them.

8. Check small things.

Success is built on a lot of seemingly minor details. Having a feel for those “little things” is essential. In a 2012 interview, David Lee Roth shared the story of how Van Halen used brown M&Ms as an indicator of whether large concert venues paid attention to the minor details critical to a major performance. Leaders must have ways to check the little things without getting lost in them.

9. Share credit.

Success relies on the effort of the entire team, not just the leader. Recognition motivates people in ways that are immeasurable. Don’t be a glory hog. Share credit where credit is due and allow your people to stand in the spotlight. It ain’t about you. It’s about them.

10. Remain calm. Be kind.

Keep calm and carry on. Kill ‘em with kindness. When chaos reigns, a calm head and a kind word go a long way. When everyone is under incredible stress, be the leader people want to follow, not the leader people want to avoid.

11. Have a vision. Be demanding.

Followers need to things from leaders—a purpose and a firm set of standards. When you see leaders fail, it is almost always for one of those two things. They either lead their followers in a flailing pursuit of nothing, or they don’t set and enforce an example for their people.

12. Don’t take counsel of your fears or naysayers.

Fear can be a powerful motivator, but it can also paralyze a leader at the worst possible time. Learn to understand your fears and channel them in ways that you control rather than allowing them to control you. Think clearly, think rationally, and make decisions that aren’t rooted in emotion.

13. Perpetual optimism is a force multiplier.

Optimism is infectious. Maintaining a positive attitude and an air of confidence is as important for you as it is for those around you. People will feed off your optimism. Believe in your purpose, believe in yourself, and believe in your people. And they’ll believe in you.

[DirkDiggler]

Fail

[08Dawg]

12 hours ago, Lowspeedhidrag said:

Some bullshit

Edited October 31, 2021 by 08Dawg
Words

[Lowspeedhidrag]

6 hours ago, 08Dawg said:

 

Is it though.........?!? Mandatory boosters.......so many echos of 'WMDs'.....hate me, but think for yourself...

[Lowspeedhidrag]

13 hours ago, DirkDiggler said:

Fail

Right........WMDs.....that was a fail....

[brickhistory]

I disagree with the sentiments toward Powell.  Overall, a decent man.  He became part of the Leviathan which provided him a very good life, so his defense of it wasn't unexpected.

 

As to McCain, as a combat vet and genuine war hero for his POW time, I gladly admit my admiration for his service.

To his personal and political life, not so much.

Look up "Keating 5."  

His personal hatred for Trump caused McCain, in his final days, to give a middle finger and vote to keep Obamacare.  He also played a big role in circulating the fake Steele dossier around DC and the media.

So much for service to country above self.  Rocking the establishment wasn't appreciated.

https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/senate-confirms-cindy-mccain-former-gop-sen-jeff-flake-top-n1282457