Power

Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

In this crowning achievement, one of the greatest minds in management theory reveals how to succeed and wield power in the real world.

Over decades of consulting with corporations and teaching MBA students the nuances of organizational power, Jeffrey Pfeffer has watched numerous people suffer career reversals even as others prevail despite the odds.

Our most common mistake is not having a realistic understanding of what makes some people more successful than others. By believing that life is fair, we tend to subscribe to the "just-world phenomenon," which leaves us unprepared for the challenges and competition of the real world.

Now Pfeffer brings decades of his incredible insights to a wider audience. Brimming with counterintuitive advice, numerous examples from various countries, and surprising findings based on his research, this groundbreaking guide reveals the strategies and tactics that separate the winners from the losers. Power, he argues, is a force that can be used and harnessed not only for individual gain but also for the benefit of organizations and society. Power, however, is not something that can be learned from those in charge--their advice often puts a rosy spin on their ascent and focuses on what should have worked, rather than what actually did. Instead, Pfeffer reveals the true paths to power and career success. Iconoclastic and grounded in the realpolitik of human interaction, Power is an essential organizational survival manual and a new standard in the field of leadership and management.

Table of contents provided by Syndetics

• Author's Note (p. ix)
• Introduction: Be Prepared for Power (p. 1)
• 1 It Takes More Than Performance (p. 19)
• 2 The Personal Qualities That Bring Influence (p. 36)
• 3 Choosing Where to Start (p. 58)
• 4 Getting In: Standing Out and Breaking Some Rules (p. 75)
• 5 Making Something out of Nothing: Creating Resources (p. 92)
• 6 Building Efficient and Effective Social Networks (p. 106)
• 7 Acting and Speaking with Power (p. 125)
• 8 Building a Reputation: Perception Is Reality (p. 147)
• 9 Overcoming Opposition and Setbacks (p. 164)
• 10 The Price of Power (p. 183)
• 11 How-and Why-People Lose Power (p. 198)
• 12 Power Dynamics: Good for Organizations, Good for You? (p. 213)
• 13 It's Easier Than You Think (p. 226)
• Acknowledgments (p. 237)
• Notes (p. 241)
• For Further Reading and Learning (p. 259)
• Index (p. 261)

Reviews provided by Syndetics

Publishers Weekly Review

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.Å (Sept.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved

Booklist Review

Is the need for power an evil motivation driven by greed and lust, or is it a worthy goal that produces wealth, longevity, and leadership? Pfeffer asks us to consider the more positive reasons that we reach for power in our professional lives in order to feel in control, get wealthy, and achieve our goals. The desire for power is a topic that is often overlooked or disparaged in most inspirational leadership books because leaders presenting their own careers as models tend to portray themselves as noble and good, and omit discussing the power plays that they used to get to the top. According to Pfeffer, we need to stop seeing the world as a just and fair place, and actively develop those qualities needed to achieve power. He offers advice on how to obtain the initial position on the first rung of the ladder to power, how to take advantage of social networks, build a reputation, and overcome setbacks. Pfeffer never answers the question as to whether power leads to happiness, but he insists that having it will ultimately put you in a better place.--Siegfried, David Copyright 2010 Booklist