The emotionally and morally bankrupt 45th *Resident of the United States issued a statement on the death of General Colin Powell barely 24 hours after his passing.

Powell, 84, died on Monday after serving as the first Black officer and commander of troops to become a four-star general, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and eventually Secretary of State.

He is likely to be remembered for a complicated legacy, but also for his 13 Rules of Effective Leadership. As you read through them, you may find that each rule succeeds because they’re about separating actions from emotions: a key aspect of emotional intelligence.

Colin Powell’s 13 Rules of Effective Leadership

1. It ain’t as bad as you think! It will look better in the morning. 
2. Get mad then get over it.
3. Avoid having your ego so close to your position that when your position falls, your ego goes with it.
4. It can be done.
5. Be careful what you choose. You may get it. 
6. Don’t let adverse facts stand in the way of a good decision. 
7. You can’t make someone else’s choices. You shouldn’t let someone else make yours. 
8. Check small things.
9. Share credit.
10. Remain calm. Be kind.
11. Have a vision. Be demanding. 
12. Don’t take counsel of your fears or naysayers.
13. Perpetual optimism is a force multiplier.

Contrasting the legacies of these two men helps us to define grace, decency, civility, and leadership.

From the State Department

CNN, The Hill, USA Today