Power
Why Some People Have It—and Others Don't
-
-
4.1 • 58 Ratings
-
-
- $13.99
Publisher Description
“Pfeffer [blends] academic rigor and practical genius into wonderfully readable text. The leading thinker on the topic of power, Pfeffer here distills his wisdom into an indispensable guide.” —Jim Collins, author of New York Times bestselling author Good to Great and How the Mighty Fall
Some people have it, and others don’t. Jeffrey Pfeffer explores why, in Power.
One of the greatest minds in management theory and author or co-author of thirteen books, including the seminal business-school text Managing With Power, Jeffrey Pfeffer shows readers how to navigate the realities of organizational politics to succeed and wield power in the real world.
This unflinching business leadership guide reveals the counterintuitive rules for getting ahead:
More Than Performance: Learn why job accomplishments are often not enough to secure your position and what you must do to manage those in power.The Qualities of Power: Discover the seven personal attributes you can develop—from ambition and energy to the capacity to tolerate conflict—to build influence.Building a Reputation: Master the art of perception management, because in the real world of organizations, perception is reality.Overcoming Setbacks: Understand how to handle the opposition and reversals of fortune that are an inevitable part of any ambitious career path.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Pfeffer (The External Control of Organizations), professor of organizational behavior at Stanford University, posits that intelligence, performance, and likeability alone are not the key to moving up in an organization; instead, he asserts, self promotion, building relationships, cultivating a reputation for control and authority, and perfecting a powerful demeanor are vital drivers of advancement and success. The book has a realpolitik analysis of human behavior that isn't for everyone but its candor, crisp prose, and forthrightness are fresh and appealing. Case studies feature the careers of such leaders as G.E. CEO Jack Welch, General George Patton, Time CEO and Chairman Ann Moore, Lt. Colonel Oliver North, and President Bill Clinton; and Pfeffer dispenses advice on how to overcome obstacles like "the self-promotion" dilemma, how to sharpen one's "acting" skills on the job, and use tactics like interruption to appear more powerful. Brimming with frank, realistic insights on paths to the top, this book offers unexpected and aggressive directions on how to advance and flourish in an ever-more competitive workplace.
Customer Reviews
Excellent
Required reading for life
Outstanding
This book is outstanding and I only wish that I had read it before beginning my career and learning some of these things the hard way. A must-read for anyone finishing school and heading into the workplace.