Speaking of Leadership®, Vol. 2, No. 8
Phil Holberton

For those of you who don't know the South Bronx, it's a great place to get into trouble and ruin your life. Still, this was where one of the greatest contemporary leaders was raised.

Born in Harlem in 1937, Colin Powell is the son of Jamaican immigrants. Growing up in a tough neighborhood, Powell was educated in the public school system and went on to City College of New York (CCNY). He spent his formative years in a location that's not necessarily conducive to developing leadership skills in a community environment. To survive and flourish, Powell had to establish goals and set a vision for himself that transcended his environment—while not ignoring its hidden benefits. This early focus was the beginning of an impressive leadership career that continues to benefit all Americans today.

After completing the school's ROTC program and graduating from CCNY in 1958, Colin Powell was commissioned an Army second lieutenant. When he retired form the military 35 years later, he had held various leadership positions and had risen to the rank of 4-star General, ultimately becoming the 12th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the highest position in the Defense Department.

Granted, General Powell received some of the best training the military—and the country—offers, including technical, strategic, and leadership training. But somehow, he stands out from his peers as being one of the few individuals who can traverse political party lines and lead diverse individuals and organizations. Maybe it's his gifted ability to speak. Perhaps it's his straightforward, charismatic approach. More than likely, it's both these traits and his personal core values that resonate with so many of us. Powell's intelligence, endurance, and committed practice of taking personal responsibility for his actions are refreshing in today's “blame-the-other-person” world.

We know by his past and current actions  that Powell is a man of principle and has our country's well being at the forefront of all his decisions. From his military days, to his youth outreach programs, to his current position in government, he continually spearheads the United States' role and responsibility for helping others achieve all they want in their life. This is the true essence of servant leadership. 

In a biography, Powell referred to himself as a professional solider for 35 years. It doesn't matter whether you are an engineer, accountant, salesperson, doctor, lawyer, social worker, politician, or civil servant, the operative word is professional. See, Colin Powell has always been true to his values and to the higher order of his professional mission. As a military officer, he was focused on winning battles and wars and supporting the agenda of the United States. Because he was able to effectively work with many individuals, regardless of their politics, he became a trusted advisor to many in both political parties. This hard-earned respect has helped him achieve his current position of Secretary of State, in which he helps shape policy rather than just following it.

Yet, regardless of the authority of his position, Powell remembers those who have helped him along the way by spreading the wealth—the wealth of recognition that no great leader deserves to solely claim. To Colin Powell, the “other” people matter, not just himself. Again, servant leadership at its finest. 

The following quotation from one of Secretary of State Powell's many speeches says it best.

"...there is no country in the world that does not touch us. We are a country of countries with a citizen in our ranks from every land. We are attached by a thousand cords to the world at large, to its teeming cities, to its remotest regions, to its oldest civilizations, to its newest cries for freedom. This means that we have an interest in every place on this Earth, that we need to lead, to guide, to help in every country that has a desire to be free, open and prosperous."

Now ask yourself... Am I a Leader?