Leadership Summit (Powell)

Leadership is action-oriented.
Leadership is about setting an example.
Leadership is about solving problem.

Powell’s Leadership Axioms:
Promote a clash of ideas. The best leaders are those who allow various thoughts/opinions/perspectives. At some point, a decision will need to be made. This is where people must embrace the decision as if it were their own.
Encourage a noisy system.
Only people get things done.
1/3 and 2/3 Rule(1/3 of the time planning and 2/3 of the time helping people execute the plan).
Maintain an open-door policy.
Reward your best performers and get rid of non-performers.
Be prepared to disappoint people. If you cannot do this you cannot be a leader.
Check your ego at the door.
Have fun in your command. Find a hobby and enjoy it. Hobbies help settle the mind.
Fit no stereotypes.
Perpetual optimism is a force multiplier. Optimism is infectious!
Things always look better in the morning. Get a good nights rest. Tomorrow will be better.
The essence of leadership and interpersonal relationships is trust. People must trust you before they will follow you.
Avoid war if at all possible.

“No plan survives first contact with the enemy.” C. Powell

Trust the element of instinct.
Prepare to be lonely.