Colin Powell Gives Pep Talk

W A S H I N G T O N, Jan. 25 -- A motivational speech from newly appointed Secretary of State Colin Powell normally costs upward of $60,000 a pop. Today, American diplomats and staffers got one for free, and were left begging for more.

For nearly an hour, the man who became a household name during the Gulf War spoke without notes to promise a new family-oriented approach to a foreign service that has long suffered morale problems.

"We love this man!" one staffer said as she watched the broadcast with tears in her eyes. "In my 35 years of State Department work," said another employee, "I've never heard a speech I found more useful or more on target."

One reason for the standing ovation that followed the retired general's address was his attitude about work: "Have fun and enjoy your work. I like to have fun."

Powell, who replaced Madeleine Albright as secretary of state, said he had no intention of working 16-hour days if he could get his work done in eight hours. He also told workers he did not plan on working Saturdays or Sundays if he didn't have to, and neither should they. "Go home to your families, to your soccer games," he told the hundreds who were listening.

On his management style, Powell said he was open and collegial, and he welcomed hearing from employees.

Still a General

"But make no mistake," said the former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, "I'm still a general. If you perform well, we'll get along fine. If not, you're going to have to do push-ups."

The charm offensive was in full swing.

The wooing of the troops came when Powell gathered his employees together today for a town hall-style meeting. He spoke about democracy, freedom and the importance of State Department service. The speech was also broadcast within the State Department and around the world to U.S. embassies.

Powell said he was looking not for managers, but for leaders. "Management is a science, leadership is an art."

In the seven years since he left the military, Powell has earned $27 million giving motivational speeches.