What Colin Powell Can Teach Us About the Importance of Humility and Growth

Join CCL's Ren Washington and Allison Barr as they explore what we can learn from Colin Powell's legacy and leadership philosophy as he moved from the highest reaches of military leadership to the highest echelons of civilian leadership. 

In October US General and Statesmen, Colin Powell died due to complications associated with COVID-19. Among his many accolades, he was chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (1989–93) and Secretary of State (2001–05), the first African American to hold either position. And that kind of symbolism was only a glimpse at all he represented. 

He was the son of immigrant Jamaican parents. He began as a professional soldier with a career that made him a hero in Vietnam and becoming the first Black national security adviser during the end of the Reagan administration.

With so much accomplishment and with such proximity to the highest levels of leadership in the world – we explore the characteristics that we associate with his leadership philosophy. Specifically we talk about how Colin Powell's humility and insistence on transforming experiences into growth opportunities contributed to much of his success and appeal as a leader. 

Related Resources:

Developing Talent? You're Probably Missing Vertical Development: https://www.ccl.org/articles/leading-effectively-articles/developing-talent-youre-probably-missing-vertical-development/ 

What Are the Characteristics of a Good Leader? https://www.ccl.org/articles/leading-effectively-articles/characteristics-good-leader/ 

Learning Leadership in the Military: https://www.ccl.org/articles/leading-effectively-articles/learning-leadership-in-the-military/ 

How to Become a CEO: Keys to Reaching the C-Suite: https://www.ccl.org/articles/leading-effectively-articles/keys-reaching-c-suite-ceo/ 

Vertical Development: Culture Still Wins Over Strategy: https://www.ccl.org/articles/white-papers/vertical-development-culture-beats-strategy/ 

Leading for Organizational Impact Program: https://www.ccl.org/leadership-programs/leading-organizational-impact-executive-training/ 

Executive Coaching Solutions: https://www.ccl.org/leadership-solutions/leadership-coaching/executive-coaching/ 

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