Colin Powell (1937–2021)

I listened to the audiobook read by Colin Powell. I had just recently read [b:It's Your Ship: Management Techniques from the Best Damn Ship in the Navy|183392|It's Your Ship Management Techniques from the Best Damn Ship in the Navy|D. Michael Abrashoff|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1435059869s/183392.jpg|177236], so I could not help but compare the two. Both were written by men of the U.S. military. Both books intended, at least partially, to provide leadership guidance. Both men have become show more public speakers and authors in their post-military careers. My primary goal in reading each was not enjoyment but rather to learn something that I could use in my own life. I enjoyed both and got value from both, but felt I received more usable insight from It's Your Ship.

Colin Powell has had an incredible career, and his wisdom and experience are evident throughout this book. You do feel that you actually get to know Colin Powell through the stories he relates about his life, his values, his successes and his failures. He seems like a unique combination of approachable and commanding respect. However, some of his methods are hard for me to translate into something I could use. Part of the problem was that his lessons are so embedded in the ways of the military and part of it was that he operated at a very different level that I do. It wasn't that he emphasized this characteristic of his relationships and interactions. In fact, if anything he downplayed them, but ultimately he and I live on different planets and while it was interesting to hear about his life, I didn't feel I could that much from it. show less

Colin Powell is one of my heroes. I know he has his detractors left and right. Those on the left bristle that he served in the Reagan and both Bush administrations and blame him for the Iraq War. Those on the right that he endorsed Obama. I guess it tips my hat as to which team I root for, but no, I'm not particularly happy about the second, though I don't really blame him for what went pears up on the first. But however I felt about that, what he accomplished, especially given his show more background is still extraordinary.

This particular biography dates from before his period as the (first African American) Secretary of State, some readers may be disappointed it doesn't get into what some might find the most interesting and controversial period of his service. But it does cover his life from his early days to his formative time as an officer during the Vietnam War and his generalship during the Gulf War. The story I remember the best though comes from his teenage years, when he got a summer job mopping floors--and determined to be the best floor mopper he possibly could. Such a little thing--but said to me a lot about his character and the reason for his success. show less

I really feel guilty giving a great man like Mr. Powell 3 stars on his book. He is a man of impeccable character and I would have voted for him for president. The book, however, is a self help book and there are dozens of other book that give advice close to what he is. The other problem for me was that I am 60 plus and was reading it because of how much I admire the man. I loved some of his stories but his tips on leadership and motivation are frankly not going to help me much at this show more point. This is a book for the young. I think the book covers a lot of what he says on his speaking engagement. Great guy, wrong audience. show less

I didn't agree with everything, but I admired his forthright style. It was refreshing to read someone who doesn't waste words. And it was an interesting explanation of military life (3/4 of his stories have to do with the military). I would be curious to see if his "why's" behind the action or mentality transfer to today. Or, perhaps, they might be just his opinions.