Hot off his highly promoted appearance (and U.S. presidential endorsement) on NBC's Meet the Press, Gen. Colin L. Powell USA, (Ret.), served as the kickoff for this year's North America congress, joking as he began, "I've had a long and busy day."
It was the largest and most excited crowd--a few people even brought homemade posters--I have ever seen at a congress opening session. And in my opinion they were not let down.
Gen. Powell entertained the crowd with his impressions of California governor/celebrity Arnold Schwarzenegger and former U.S. President Ronald Regan (they were actually pretty spot-on), his favorite war stories and interesting tidbits of what it was like to serve as a U.S. National Security Advisor and Secretary of State.
He also, however, imparted some wisdom about leadership that could be applied to just about any project environment. There were many lessons to take away, but here are five that stuck with me:
1. At the end of the day you have to convince a bunch of followers to do what you want them to do--and that they want to do it.
2. Take care of the troops. If you talk the game, you have to walk it with them. You have to provide them the tools and training they need to succeed.
3. Inspire your followers so they are self-motivated. They should come in every day and want to help you get the job done.
4. Reward and recognize. Although money is obvious, very often it's just a matter of saying, "you're doing a great job." And never underestimate the power of a handwritten note.
5. Be an example of morale and physical courage. Your word is your bond and your service should be selfless.
It was the largest and most excited crowd--a few people even brought homemade posters--I have ever seen at a congress opening session. And in my opinion they were not let down.
Gen. Powell entertained the crowd with his impressions of California governor/celebrity Arnold Schwarzenegger and former U.S. President Ronald Regan (they were actually pretty spot-on), his favorite war stories and interesting tidbits of what it was like to serve as a U.S. National Security Advisor and Secretary of State.
He also, however, imparted some wisdom about leadership that could be applied to just about any project environment. There were many lessons to take away, but here are five that stuck with me:
1. At the end of the day you have to convince a bunch of followers to do what you want them to do--and that they want to do it.
2. Take care of the troops. If you talk the game, you have to walk it with them. You have to provide them the tools and training they need to succeed.
3. Inspire your followers so they are self-motivated. They should come in every day and want to help you get the job done.
4. Reward and recognize. Although money is obvious, very often it's just a matter of saying, "you're doing a great job." And never underestimate the power of a handwritten note.
5. Be an example of morale and physical courage. Your word is your bond and your service should be selfless.
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