30 Famous Colin Powell Quotes About Hard Work & More
“Colin Powell” by “U.S. Embassy New Delhi“, licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0
Colin Luther Powell was a former four-star general in the United States Army. He was an American statesman & the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in the past. From 2001 to 2005, he was the United States Secretary of State.
Powell was raised in New York City. He attended Morris High School and later City College of New York to study geology. He was enlisted in the US military after finishing his education and served for 35 years, climbing through the ranks to become a four-star general. In 1995, he wrote My American Journey, a best-selling autobiography.
Powell became the first African-American to hold the position of Secretary of State in the US government when President George W. Bush selected him in 2000. He also served in the Vietnam War, the Persian Gulf War, and the Panama Invasion. He became a public speaker after retiring from the US military.
Powell served his community in addition to his military and political jobs, founded non-profit America’s Promise Alliance to help at-risk youngsters. He is the recipient of numerous honors, including two Presidential Medals of Freedom. He also has honorary degrees from universities and colleges all around the country, and various institutions are named after him.
Browse through these Colin Powell quotes to get an insight into his life, thoughts and ideologies.
Colin Powell Quotes About Hard Work
Colin’s life has been all about hard work. He served as the first African-American national security adviser, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Secretary of State. Here are some Colin Powell quotes about hard work and success.
“A dream doesn’t become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination and hard work.”
COLIN POWELL
“Surround yourself with people who take their work seriously, but not themselves, those who work hard and play hard.”
COLIN POWELL
“Don’t be afraid to challenge the pros, even in their own backyard.”
COLIN POWELL
“Success is the result of perfection, hard work, learning from failure, loyalty, and persistence.”
COLIN POWELL
“If you are going to achieve excellence in big things, you develop the habit in little matters. Excellence is not an exception; it is a prevailing attitude.”
COLIN POWELL
SOURCE: MY AMERICAN JOURNEY
“My own experience is use the tools that are out there. Use the digital world. But never lose sight of the need to reach out and talk to other people who don’t share your view. Listen to them and see if you can find a way to compromise.”
COLIN POWELL
“Always focus on the front windshield and not the rearview mirror.”
COLIN POWELL
Colin Powell Quotes On Leadership
Colin Powell’s leadership abilities and life experiences influence many people. Read on to these Colin Powell quotes about leadership.
“Great leaders are almost always great simplifiers, who can cut through argument, debate and doubt, to offer a solution everybody can understand.”
COLIN POWELL
“I think whether you’re having setbacks or not, the role of a leader is to always display a winning attitude.”
COLIN POWELL
SOURCE: INTERVIEW
“Disappointments, failures and setbacks are a normal part of the lifecycle of a unit or a company and what the leader has to do is constantly be up and say, we have a problem, let’s go and get it.”
COLIN POWELL
“Great leaders inspire every follower at every level to internalize their purpose, and to understand that their purpose goes far beyond the mere details of their job.”
COLIN POWELL
“When everyone is united in purpose, a positive purpose that serves not only the organization but also, hopefully, the world beyond it, you have a winning team.”
COLIN POWELL
SOURCE: IT WORKED FOR ME
“The day soldiers stop bringing you their problems is the day you have stopped leading them.”
COLIN POWELL
“If a leader doesn’t convey passion and intensity then there will be no passion and intensity within the organization and they’ll start to fall down and get depressed.”
COLIN POWELL
“Leadership is solving problems.”
COLIN POWELL
SOURCE: MY AMERICAN JOURNEY
“Never neglect details. When everyone’s mind is dulled or distracted the leader must be doubly vigilant.”
COLIN POWELL
“Look for intelligence and judgement and most critically, a capacity to anticipate, to see around corners. Also look for loyalty, integrity, a high energy drive, a balanced ego and the drive to get things done.”
COLIN POWELL
Colin Powell Inspirational Quotes
Colin’s life has been nothing short of inspiration for all. He came a long way from being a professional soldier to a four-star general in the army. Here are some Colin Powell quotes to inspire you.
“The freedom to be your best means nothing unless you are willing to do your best.”
COLIN POWELL
“Fit no stereotypes. Don’t chase the latest management fads. The situation dictates which approach best accomplishes the team’s mission.”
COLIN POWELL
“You should never be so involved with your position/job that when the position is gone your entire self-image is gone with it.”
COLIN POWELL
SOURCE: MY AMERICAN JOURNEY
“Each of us is a product of all our experiences and all our interactions with other people.”
COLIN POWELL
“Fear and failure are always present. Accept them as part of life and learn how to manage these realities.”
COLIN POWELL
“All work is honorable. Always do your best, because someone is watching.”
COLIN POWELL
“I have always tried to keep my confidence and optimism up, no matter how difficult the situation.”
COLIN POWELL
“The healthiest competition occurs when average people win by putting above average effort.”
COLIN POWELL
Colin Powell came to the United States from a humble background and discovered his purpose in the military. He has dedicated himself to the defense of the country and the advancement of democratic values. Powell has spent his entire adult life in the service of his country. He has made it his mission to ensure that young people get the resources they require to achieve.
We hope you get inspired to achieve your goals with these Colin Powell quotes. Let us know which one is your favorite.
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