Powell's 13 Rules*

*Adapted and lightly edited from my basketball blog

Rules aren't always rules, as much as (via Pirates of the Caribbean) guidelines.

General Colin Powell, formerly Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, National Security Advisor, and Secretary of State started his 2012 book, It Worked for Me with his thirteen rules. He shares many relevant stories from his long career. 

Here are his rules and possible uses. 

1. It ain't as bad as you think. It will look better in the morning.*

"Well, maybe it will, maybe it won't." 

Players, families, and fans aren't always happy with minutes, roles, results, and recognition. Part of coaching is becoming uncomfortable with being uncomfortable. 

2. Get mad, then get over it.

Carrying around disappointment and grudges serves no master. As Samuel L. Jackson tells himself, "Not every role is for you." And as Coach Cob reminds us, "You are a coach, but not the coach." Decisions made under the shadow of anger appear without the benefit of the most light. 

3. Avoid having your ego so close to your position that when your position falls, your ego goes with it.

Legendary trader Jesse Livermore's life informs this. He made and lost fortunes multiple times. In the end, he committed suicide. Don't make a permanent decision based on a temporary problem. 

4. "It can be done."

Army officers must maintain a positive attitude to succeed in tough missions. Both coaches and players cannot succeed without self-belief. 

5. Be careful what you choose: you may get it.

This parallels "be careful what you wish for." A 'dream job' can turn into a nightmare. Or the job may not turn out to be what you thought it was. It argues that "due diligence" must be more than a slogan. 

6. Don't let adverse facts stand in the way of a good decision.

This has significant nuance. Remember what Michigan Coach Bo Schembechler said about some recruits, "If you don't get him, he can beat you once a year; if you do, he can beat you every day." Do you want that low character, high talent player in your program? 

7. You can't make someone else's choices. You shouldn't let someone else make yours.

There's a saying that people unable to manage their own lives can easily manage others. Trusted advisors are 'that' - advisors. If you're the guy in charge, you (not the advisors) own the decision. That can involve anything - talent recruitment and retention, strategy and style of play, assistants...

8. Check small things. 

Every good coach focuses on attention to detail, having everyone on the same page, and "taking care of what's in their boat." And every coach has a horror story about a detail disaster (e.g. the Webber timeout). 

9. Share credit. 

People need appreciation. Some of the worst people to be around are "credit hogs." Professor Adam Grant's book, "Give and Take" shares stories about givers, takers, and matchers. One football coach who will remain nameless, was famous for taking credit for wins and assigning blame for losses to players. 

10.Remain calm. Be kind. 

Leadership demands the ability to stay calm when those around us are not. Everyone has slipped up and been unkind, especially under pressure. Do all we can to preach and practice virtue. 

11.Have a vision. Be demanding. 

"Be demanding without being demeaning." And remember that if we don't know where we're going, we might end up there. Chart the course before the journey, including a coherent philosophy. My coaching philosophy has always been TIA - teamwork, improvement, accountability. 

12.Don't take counsel of your fears or naysayers. 

"Don't take criticism from people from whom you would not take advice." Being steadfast and committed to making good judgments challenges everyone. Others' advice may be intended for their well-being, not yours. 

13.Perpetual optimism is a force multiplier. 

Optimism is a strength. One set of values was called a "COTE of armor" - confidence, optimism, tenacity, and enthusiasm. Another adage is "you cannot fashion a positive life with a negative attitude."

These 'rules' resonate with me for several reasons:

• They apply across many domains. 
• They reflect wisdom of both facts and self-regulation. 
• Each is expansive and deserves careful thought (maybe their own discussion)

Lagniappe. Care about the value brought to our communities. Coaches touch the lives of many. 

A great high school coach isn’t measured by wins alone.
It’s measured by:
- The players who come back to visit years later.
- The lessons that stick long after the final buzzer.
- The *men and women* your players become off the court.

— Steve Collins (@TeachHoopsBBall) January 29, 2026

Lagniappe 2. What environment makes us our best? 

The most revealing question you can ask someone is this:

"I am at my best when I am ____."

You’ll learn more from that answer than a stat sheet or a highlight reel.

Here’s Sean McVay with one of the best responses you’ll hear. pic.twitter.com/Pm9FuKUpY8

— James Purchin (@JamesPurchin) February 9, 2026