Colin Powell Leadership

When you hear the name Colin Powell, the word leader, automatically comes to mind. Powell has had many leadership positions both in the military and in the government. His actions and decisions have influenced things on a wide spectrum, from war, to connecting with people at the lowest level. (The Powell Leadership Doctrine, n.d.) Only a true leader is able to have this type of an impact.

Colin Powell was a Visionary Leader, as evident by his actions decisions and behaviors to reorganize units and effectively train an all-volunteer force, utilizing the after action review process. He was also an Ethical Leader, which he displayed in his actions during an attempted military coup in the Philippines.

In this paper, we will review how Colin Powell’s actions decisions and behaviors are qualities of being a visionary leader. In particular, change management elements of adaptability and

In his book “It Worked for Me in Life and Leadership”, he reflects upon days in the Army and challenges during the Vietnam War. He mentions the need to reform an institution with deep cultural roots, rewriting doctrine, reorganizing units and training an all-volunteer force. Powell considered the AAR process one of the most important tools used to reform the institution and reorganize units. (Powell, 2012)

The Thomas N. Barnes Center for Enlisted Education [BCEE] (2014a) identifies cognitive and emotional flexibility as two elements of adaptability. Colin Powell’s cognitive flexibility is evident in his use of the AAR process. He was able to incorporate different thinking strategies to implement effective training. While using this process, he promoted thinking differently and developing an understanding of the situation. Promoting that type of environment is important, when trying to analyze situations and create the most effective plan of