Colin Powell

“A dream doesn't become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination and hard work.”

“There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure.”

“Perpetual optimism is a force multiplier.”

“Leadership is solving problems. The day soldiers stop bringing you their problems is the day you have stopped leading them.”

“Get mad, then get over it.”

“If you are going to achieve excellence in big things, you develop the habit in little matters. Excellence is not an exception, it is a prevailing attitude.”

“The chief condition on which life, vigor, and progress in any social body depends is that there be no restriction upon the development of any of its members.”

“Never neglect details. When everyone's mind is dulled or distracted the leader must be doubly vigilant.”

“Don't be buffaloed by experts and elites. Experts often possess more data than judgment.”

“Don't let your ego get too close to your position, so that if your position gets shot down, your ego doesn't go with it.”

“Great leaders are almost always great simplifiers, who can cut through argument, debate and doubt, to offer a solution everybody can understand.”

“It ain't as bad as you think. It will look better in the morning.”

“Have a vision. Be demanding.”

“Endeavors succeed or fail because of the people involved. Only by attracting the best people will you accomplish great deeds.”

“Being responsible sometimes means pissing people off.”

“Bad news isn't wine. It doesn't improve with age.”

“There is no end to the good you can do if you don't care who gets the credit.”

“Leadership is the art of accomplishing more than the science of management says is possible.”

“Surround yourself with people who take their work seriously, but not themselves, those who work hard and play hard.”

“Fit no stereotypes. Don't chase the latest management fads. The situation dictates which approach best accomplishes the team's mission.”