Lead Like Powell: 5 Leadership Rules Worth Living By
- Cynthiana Chamber
- May 26
- 3 min read
Wisdom from a general who led with calm, clarity, and conviction
“Leadership is solving problems. The day soldiers stop bringing you their problems is the day you have stopped leading them.”—Colin Powell
Colin Powell was a soldier, a statesman, and one of the most respected leaders of our time. He served as National Security Advisor, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Secretary of State—but more than his titles, it was his presence and principles that made him a standout leader.
One of the most lasting contributions he left behind is a list of 13 Rules of Leadership—simple, practical, and forged in the fire of real-world experience. I’ve returned to them many times when facing challenges as a mayor, director, or community leader. They serve as a compass when the path gets foggy.
Today, I want to highlight five of my personal favorites—rules I believe every small business owner, team leader, or community builder can lean on, especially when times are uncertain.
🔹 1. “It ain’t as bad as you think. It will look better in the morning.”
When things go sideways—and they will—it’s easy to let fear or frustration take over. But Powell reminds us to pause. To rest. To reassess with fresh eyes.
Some of the best decisions I’ve made didn’t come in the heat of the moment, but after a night’s sleep and a quieter head. If you're leading a team or a business, remember: panic isn't a strategy—perspective is.
🔹 2. “Get mad, then get over it.”
Leadership is personal. You care. You feel things deeply. And sometimes, that includes frustration, disappointment, or anger.
Powell didn’t deny those emotions—he just refused to be led by them. Feel it, name it… then move forward.
This rule reminds us that emotional intelligence isn’t about being emotionless—it’s about being emotionally mature.
🔹 3. “Don’t let adverse facts stand in the way of a good decision.”
If you’re looking for a reason not to act, you’ll find one. There’s always a risk. Always a reason to hesitate. But leaders are called to move forward anyway—not recklessly, but courageously.
Leadership means sometimes stepping forward when you can’t see the whole path—but you know what direction you need to go.
🔹 4. “Share credit.”
This one’s simple but powerful: you can accomplish anything if you don’t care who gets the credit.
People remember how you made them feel—and nothing fuels a team more than recognition and shared success. In every role I’ve ever held, I’ve seen that the fastest way to build loyalty is to lift others up.
Success isn't a solo act. If you want people to go the distance with you—celebrate the wins with them.
🔹 5. “Perpetual optimism is a force multiplier.”
When the leader believes, the team believes. Powell knew that confidence and hope aren’t soft—they’re contagious.
Optimism doesn’t mean ignoring hard things—it means leading through them with vision and steadiness. Especially now, when uncertainty is all around, people are looking for hope that feels real.
Lead with confidence, and others will find theirs too.
The Full List: Colin Powell’s 13 Rules of Leadership
It ain’t as bad as you think. It will look better in the morning.
Get mad, then get over it.
Avoid having your ego so close to your position that when your position falls, your ego goes with it.
It can be done.
Be careful what you choose. You may get it.
Don’t let adverse facts stand in the way of a good decision.
You can’t make someone else’s choices. You shouldn’t let someone else make yours.
Check small things.
Share credit.
Remain calm. Be kind.
Have a vision. Be demanding.
Don’t take counsel of your fears or naysayers.
Perpetual optimism is a force multiplier.
Final Takeaway:
Powell didn’t lead with sound bites or slogans. He led with steadiness, humility, and conviction. He knew that real leadership isn’t loud—it’s consistent.
If you’re leading a business, a nonprofit, a city, or a team: you don’t have to have all the answers. Just show up with clarity, character, and calm. And when in doubt, lead like Powell.
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