Leadership and legacy of Colin Powell

Colin Powell

Leadership Profile:

"Great leaders are almost always great simplifiers, who can cut through argument, debate and doubt, to offer a solution everybody can understand." -- Colin Powell

The quotation provided by the man who is the subject of this paper signifies that he is a great thinker. Though many subject Mr. Powell to a lot of criticism, especially in the wake of his tenure at the State Department, he is a man to be revered not only for his intelligence, but also for his courage and commitment. This paper will therefore examine various questions relating to Colin Powell and his leadership style, and will strive to see whether he was, indeed, a good leader.

Colin Powell began his life in the United States as the son of Jamaican immigrants. He was born in the South Bronx in 1937, and grew up in this area, which, according to some, is a "great place to get into trouble and ruin your life."

Despite the dangers he faced in childhood, Powell grew up to be a successful individual. He attended the City College of New York, and set goals for himself and for his future.

During college, Powell enrolled in ROTC, and decided that he like the Army, which he joined in 1958. While a lieutenant in the Army, Powell was sent to Vietnam. However, during his first tour he was injured by a punji-stick booby trap while on patrol of the Vietnam-Laos border. Thus, he returned home and went on a second tour five years later, in 1968.

During his second Vietnam tour of Service, Powell, now a major, had as assignment the investigation of the My Lai massacre, in which U.S. .soldiers killed more than 300 civilians, many of whom were women and children. Colin Powell's report of this massacre, "seemed to refute the allegations of wrongdoing and stated, "Relations between American soldiers and the Vietnamese people are excellent." Also during this tour in Vietnam, Powell was injured in a helicopter crash. Despite his injury, he managed to rescue his comrades from the burning helicopter, for which he was awarded the Soldier's Medal."

These events prove that Powell is both a loyal person to his country, but also a brave and intelligent man who is committed to his fellow soldiers and his assignments. In order to further show Powell's valor, it is important to note that he has received 11 military decorations, including the Legion of Merit.

In the next part of his life, Powell served both in the Reagan and Bush administration and is known in history as the only African-American to have served on the Joints Chiefs of Staff. This is an important title, for it does demonstrate recognition of the man's leadership. While in politics, Powell strove to stress diplomacy and containment above direct fight, having been discouraged in Vietnam. Yet, he did suffer controversy, and did give in to the Bush administration's persuasion to accept the invasion of Iraq as a fact, which Powell states he still regrets, in theory.

Powell's background makes him a very righteous man, and this is a quality to be respected. Despite some falterings, which the man himself recognizes as well, Powell is a great leader who has many friend in the field of politics in this country. He continues to participate, even having given a lecture on leadership.

According to biographers, Powell has often referred to himself as a professional solider for 35 years. Some comment:

"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."