It Worked for Me by Colin Powell Summary
Overview of It Worked for Me
Colin Powell's bestselling memoir reveals the leadership secrets that shaped American history. Beyond his infamous UN presentation, Powell offers thirteen practical rules that transformed boardrooms and battlefields alike. What leadership principle does the four-star general call his most powerful? The answer might surprise you.
Similar books to It Worked for Me
Feel the book through the author's voice
Turn knowledge into engaging, example-rich insights
Capture key ideas in a flash for fast learning
Enjoy the book in a fun and engaging way
Key takeaways
The Thirteen Rules: A Leadership Framework for Life
Colin Powell's memoir "It Worked For Me" distills complex leadership principles into accessible wisdom through personal stories. At its core are his famous "Thirteen Rules" that have transformed organizations worldwide. Rule 11 emphasizes that organizations must serve a purpose beyond profit-when addressing credit rating executives focused solely on minimizing losses, Powell reminded them their true purpose was helping people buy homes and educate children. Rule 12, "Don't take counsel of your fears or naysayers," emerged from Powell's Vietnam experience where, after surviving an ambush, he realized leaders must control fear rather than let it control them. Perhaps most powerful is Rule 13: "Perpetual optimism is a force multiplier." Powell illustrates this through a story about a Korean training exercise where his battalion had to march twenty miles back to camp. His operations officer suggested making it a qualifying march for the Expert Infantryman's Badge. Though exhausted, the troops completed the difficult march and fell into formation for the final mile, singing cadence and waking the entire camp-demonstrating how optimism multiplies capabilities.
Know Yourself: The Foundation of Authentic Leadership
Taking Care of People: The Heart of Leadership
Navigating the Digital World: Information as Currency
Achieving 150 Percent: Leadership That Multiplies Effectiveness
The Powell Doctrine: Decisive Force with Clear Purpose
It's All About People: The Essence of Leadership
Quick Summary Mode - Read or listen to It Worked for Me Summary in 8 Minutes
Break down key ideas from It Worked for Me into bite-sized takeaways to understand how innovative teams create, collaborate, and grow.
Flash Card Mode - Top 8 Insights from It Worked for Me in a Nutshell
Distill It Worked for Me into rapid-fire memory cues that highlight Pixar’s principles of candor, teamwork, and creative resilience.
Fun Mode - It Worked for Me Lessons Told Through 20-Min Stories
Experience It Worked for Me through vivid storytelling that turns Pixar’s innovation lessons into moments you’ll remember and apply.
Personalize Mode - Read or listen to It Worked for Me Summary in 0 Minutes
Ask anything, pick the voice, and co-create insights that truly resonate with you.
From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
Get the It Worked for Me summary as a free PDF or EPUB. Print it or read offline anytime.