Colin Powell's Rules

I found this old clipping in (one of my) stacks of stuff. I don't know how old it is, but the paper is yellowing.

Colin Powell has 13 rules by which he has collected over the years and written down on a small white card labeled, "Colin Powell's Rules." Many of his admirers in the Pentagon keep a copy at their desks or in their wallets.

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

2. Get mad, then get over it.

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

4. It can be done!

5. Be careful what you choose. You may get it.

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

7. You can't make someone else's choices. You shouldn't let someone else make yours.

8. Check small things.

9. Share credit.

10. Remain calm. Be kind.

11. Have a vision. Be demanding.

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

13. Perpetual optimism is a force multiplier.


A search on the net turned up Maureen Dowd's somewhat cynical revisions.