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The Leadership Secrets of Colin Powell by Oren Harari Recommendation: ••
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Motivational Drivel If you’re looking for a feel-good book, you’re likely to enjoy reading Oren Harari’s new book, The Leadership Secrets of Colin Powell. It’s preachy, shallow, and contains more “Powell Principles” than any of us could keep track of as we conduct our lives. Harari admits at the beginning that Powell had nothing to do with the writing of this book; he’s the role model and inspiration. Harari shared a podium with Powell in 1996, then read his autobiography. From notes, Harari came up with eighteen “Powell gems” that became an article in the December 1996 issue of Management Review. The book is an outgrowth of those gems. If you’re looking for a Powell biography or tribute, look elsewhere. This is a book about leadership. Here’s an excerpt: “Throughout his career, Colin Powell has resisted chasing the latest trend or fad. Repeatedly, he argues against falling into rigid patterns of behavior. He is arguing for a situational approach to leadership. In other words, he is making the case that effective leadership depends on a through immersion in the here and now – on a precise understanding of the situation at hand. Anything that clouds that vision or impedes effective action – be it an organizational rut, a stereotyped behavior, or the embrace of a succession of management fads – hurts the organization. The landscape changes, says Powell; therefore, the effective leader is ever vigilant, ready to shift strategy and tactics as the situation warrants.” Not much that’s original in the excerpt, not on many of the other 250 pages of this book. Each chapter ends with “Powell Principles.” For the chapter of the excerpt, here are the four principles: 1. Do not manage by fad. 2. Be ready to change on a dime. 3. Don’t fight ‘the last war.’ 4. ‘Ride’ change, rather than managing it. Powell’s example is motivating. His leadership has produced great results. You’re likely to enjoy reading this book, but may not make any changes in your behavior as a result. Steve Hopkins, April 24, 2002
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