The perspective of Colin Powell on how to define leadership — All the Way Leadership Blog

We recently learned the news that General Colin Powell passed away. I am reposting an article I wrote about his trusted perspective on leadership. General Colin Powell will be missed. Given the challenges we face in the world these days, we desperately need more leaders like him who lead the way when it mattered most. RLTW!

Who was General Colin Powell?

General Colin Powell was one of the greatest US Army Generals in the last century. According to Wikipedia Powell was a professional soldier for 35 years. He held a myriad of command and staff positions and rose to the rank of 4-star General. Powell completed multiple combat tours in the Vietnam War. General Powell served as National Security Advisor (1987–1989), as Commander of the U.S. Army Forces Command (1989), and as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (1989–1993), holding the latter position during the Persian Gulf War.

General Powell was a pioneer

Powell was the first African American to serve on the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He was the 65th United States Secretary of State, serving under U.S. President George W. Bush from 2001 to 2005, the first African American to serve in that position. His resume as a leader is impressive. I trust his leadership perspective.

What did General Powell accomplish as a leader?

The list of General Powell’s accomplishments as a leader is too long for this blog. For his service, General Powell received numerous U.S. and foreign military awards and decorations. Powell’s civilian awards include two Presidential Medal of Freedom, the President’s Citizens Medal, the Congressional Gold Medal, and the…