How Colin Powell Demonstrated Commitment

Department of State of the United States of America [Public domain]

When leaders promote the 7Cs of Team Resilience, they ensure team members are well prepared for the unexpected and can respond effectively during a crisis.

This week Colin Powell turned 84 years old. His birthday reminded me that he is one of my favorite Resilience Leader role models because he made the time to foster these 7Cs despite his overwhelming workload as U.S. Secretary of State.

Secretary Powell regularly demonstrated his commitment to State employees and, as a result, he built an agency that thrived despite the challenges we faced during his tenure.

Here's a personal example of how Secretary Powell demonstrated this commitment and how it made a difference.

In June 2003, the U.S. Department of State sent me to Baghdad to open the Office of the U.S. Consul. The security situation was unpredictable, and there were many attacks against diplomatic facilities. In October, insurgents rocketed the Al-Rashid Hotel where I was staying. While I survived a rocket hitting my room, I was traumatized and struggled to regain my equilibrium.

Soon after the attack, the Department's HR office sent me an email asking for feedback on a new incentive package to encourage Foreign Service personnel to take assignments in Iraq. I was exhausted, angry, and bitter and wrote a very nasty response. At the end of my email, I told them, in a snarky "I don't expect this to happen" way, that the only thing I wanted was for Secretary Powell to say to my parents that he was keeping me safe.

In November, I traveled back to Washington DC to receive an award for my actions after the Al-Rashid bombing. My parents attended the ceremony, and just before it began, one of the organizers asked if my parents would please watch from a specific spot in the room.

After giving me an award, Secretary Powell left the stage and walked over to my parents. He introduced himself, shook their hands, and told them, "don't worry, I'm keeping your daughter safe." He comforted my parents and gave me the strength I needed to return to Baghdad and complete my assignment. After that day, I was willing to do anything for Secretary Powell, regardless of the risk or personal sacrifice.

Why did this simple act contribute to my resilience and inspire me when I returned to a dangerous, unpredictable environment? I felt that Secretary Powell, despite his power and responsibilities, was genuinely committed to me and my family's well-being. He cultivated a team of people who were willing to forgive my anger, who were allowed to bring requests to him from junior staff, and who worked with him to make the time to fulfill what I thought was an unrealistic request. Demonstrating authentic commitment to his team members was ingrained in how he conducted himself and his operations. It made a difference.

How do you demonstrate your commitment to team members?

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