Why was Colin Powell so highly respected? And respected by many different groups of people?
Since he died earlier this week, I was trying to come up with some reasons for the great respect that so many people had for him. People respected him from so many walks of life. It must also be said that there were some who did not respect him at all. These were in the distinct minority.
Until the last few years, I always thought that public service was an honorable calling. I was so dismayed to see how a certain type of person looked on public service as a way to enrich themselves and not think about making the world a better place. I have found it so helpful to think about Colin Powell as a public servant - who cared enthusiastically about making the world a better place.
Look at Colin Powell's 13 rules for living:
1. It ain’t as bad as you think. It will look better in the morning.
2. Get mad, then get over it.
3. Avoid having your ego so close to your position that when your position falls, your ego goes with it.
4. It can be done!
5. Be careful what you choose.
6. Don’t let adverse facts stand in the way of a good decision.
7. You can’t make someone else’s choices.
8. Check small things.
9. Share credit.
10. Remain calm. Be kind.
11. Have a vision.
12. Don’t take counsel of your fears or naysayers.
13. Perpetual optimism is a force multiplier.
There are people who have come up with such lists for themselves. Some like Stephen Covey widely publicized principles for living lives of purpose and values. I study them and study them and try to apply them to my life. Colin Powell did this his entire life. A life well lived.
It is easy to get down (or at least easy for me!) about people who don't try to seek these inspiring principles. Colin Powell was someone who constantly raised others up. He made us better. How fortunate we are to have lived in the same world as Colin Powell. He was an authentic public servant. God bless him and his family.
