From "The Leadership Secrets of Colin Powell" by Oren Harari• Powell deliberately encourages and solicits communication between temporary equals in order to create a more open culture.
• Powell is acutely aware of the power of symbols to promote (or obstruct) communication.
“All the tables in my office and conference rooms were round so that there was never a head. I would always try not to wear my full uniform.” -Colin Powell
The higher up the hierarchy one goes, Powell stressed to me, the harder one has to work to stay in touch with real people and real data.
• Powell openly sidesteps rank, hierarchy, and red tape in order to open up communication.
