LESSONS IN LEADERSHIP WITH PRESIDENT NIDO QUBEIN AND GENERAL COLIN POWELL.

• Author: Qubein, Nido
• Position: Q & A - Interview

President Nido Qubein interviews some of the world's most influential thought leaders and change agents who are drawn to the High Point University campus. Their conversations focus on leadership, innovation and values that prepare HPU students to lead lives of success and significance. These topics are also the focus of the President's Seminar on Life Skills, which he teaches to all freshmen.

The interviews are open to the entire community, filmed in front of a live audience, aired on public television, and shared online with viewers around the world. An excerpt of Qubein's interview with General Colin Powell, former secretary of state, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and national security advisor, is printed below. The interview has been edited for clarity and brevity and can be viewed in its entirety at highpoint.edu/series.

Q: QUBEIN : General Powell, welcome to High Point University. You're a man of great influence and an embodiment of the American dream. What is the American dream to you? How would you define the American dream to an aspiring 17-year-old entering college?

A: POWELL: It's a very simple proposition, and I talk about it all the time. It's essentially one of the few countries in the world where if you came here as an immigrant, or if you were born into modest circumstances, you have a chance to go to the top. If you believe in yourself, if you work hard, if our country keeps evolving into a more perfect union, then you have a chance to go up. But you've got to believe. You've got to get an education, you've got to be your own role model, and that's what makes us different. The American dream is something our founding fathers gave us.

Q: QUBEIN: What is your definition of patriotism?

A: POWELL: Believing in this country and being willing to serve it. And in my case, willing to die for it. But at the same time, understanding that as wonderful as our country is, it has flaws. And we should work together to try to find solutions to these flaws and problems. Patriotism means teamwork on a national level by compromising to move the country forward.

Q: QUBEIN: Your whole life has been about teamwork. How does one create meaningful, purposeful teamwork in a corporation, organization, university or community?

A: POWELL: First, you have to try and understand the strengths and weaknesses of people. They're not cookie cutter. You have to constantly work with human beings. Leadership is all about human interaction. What I've...