He advises people to not look for where it is most prestigious, but look where they will succeed. The writing is quite thoughtful. It is aimed at making relationships with other people work. I also like his description of the price of power; long hours, hard work, and loss of family and personal time. But, the author correctly points out in these days, you have to often fight just to stay in the middle.
This book describes patterns and tools to mproave your chances of success in organizations. It is very much a career management book. This book is worth reading if you want to understand power inside organizations.
Oct 15, Jeffrey rated it really liked it Shelves: non-fiction , first-reads , read-in I won this book in a Goodreads First Reads giveaway It's hard to come around and endorse Jeffrey Pfeffer 's latest book. Not because it's inaccurate or deceptive or dishonest, but precisely because it's none of those things.
Pfeffer lays out a survey level argument of why power politics exists, what it takes to obtain and maintain it, and why the system is not going away. When combined with current events, for example the recent film Inside Job , it provides a solid explanation why so many people wh I won this book in a Goodreads First Reads giveaway It's hard to come around and endorse Jeffrey Pfeffer 's latest book. When combined with current events, for example the recent film Inside Job , it provides a solid explanation why so many people who get so many things wrong remain in positions of authority.
Unfortunately, Pfeffer's solution to this is that everyone needs to play the game. That there is no method for a society to escape from the power dynamic is the book's most depressing conclusion.
What would be nice to see is a book that helps organizations protect themselves from power players, so that one doesn't continue to listen to the same bad advice over and over again. Jan 01, Charlice rated it it was ok. There wasn't much surprising in this book.
Although the author cites much more research to back up his assertions than most management writers, the advice is fairly standard: build your network, behave confidently, etc.
His characterization of leadership research and teaching as "pablum" was off-the-mark. I find it interesting that he expects readers to trust social science research supporting his arguments on attaining power, but expects us to dismiss research that seems to contradict him.
As s There wasn't much surprising in this book. As such a prominent scholar, he should know that effective leadership and effective power-grabbing are distinct constructs. Leaders need power to be effective, but leaders whose primary interest is in self-interested power volleys will not be effective. As Pfeffer himself argues, there is a weak relationship between performance and power. I assume that is true of leaders as well. One disturbing aspect of this book is that, several times, Pfeffer cites research showing that race and gender affect power in organizations.
Since he doesn't offer any advice to people whose race or gender might disadvantage them in this sense other than telling women that having children will be detrimental to their ascent , I suppose this is a state of affairs he takes for granted. That said, this book is not without value, particularly for people who are strongly motivated to climb to the upper levels of hierarchical organizations. If that is your definition of power, this book will provide a great deal of useful advice on how to get there.
For the rest of us, this book could be a good reality check. Like it or not, the politics are there. Many of these tactics are useful for surviving and thriving in that reality. Dec 28, Jeff Mousty rated it really liked it Shelves: read-work. I have listened to this book over the past month and at first I didn't like the title "power" I thought it should have been "influence. He summarizes in the end don't complain about your companies politics or processes or that your boss is a jerk.
YOU have the power to change that. He also spoke some on you have to stick out. He mentioned the Japanese proverb about a na I have listened to this book over the past month and at first I didn't like the title "power" I thought it should have been "influence.
He mentioned the Japanese proverb about a nail that sticks out gets hammered, but countered that with if you conform and norm you won't be remembered either. If you don't take risks don't expect to be rewarded either. I'm thinking this book might be really good to share with my mentees who are getting frustrated with process of getting into leadership or who aren't understanding the need to stay driven.
The author makes a point to say if you don't do something plenty of others are willing too so in essence you've just stated contentment with your current status.
Jan 26, Jing Fu rated it really liked it. This isn't a book that tells pretty stories. In fact, it's quite shocking this type of "strategy" would be talked and advocated out in the open.
Doesn't go well with some of my personal values, e. I don't like his reasoning, but I do think some of these tactics are generally helpful, e. It is an easy read with interesting examples.
If you dislike the title, consider how the world is political, and it is in you interest to know the power games other people will play. All because he asked. What could you have asked for? He had the founder of Hotmail, the Indian president Kalam, and over a dozen leaders contribute to the book. His pitch was as a fellow entrepreneur and IIT graduate, he appreciated their courage, and said no one would take a book by him seriously, he wanted their help to write just a few pages or hundred words with key advice.
He packaged the request brilliantly, and almost all accepted. Asking for help is inherently flattering. He leveraged his experience to write something with a positive social implication. Then gained influence with very big hitters, and 'jumped up a weight class.
It is best to not become full of yourself. You can not and will not please everyone. As in acting, theatrics, Hollywood. If you are 'angry' don't always really be angry, as you can act with emotion, skipping over facts, weaken you position, and alienate people.
I have made my worst mistakes when acting out of emotion. You can use emotions effectively to lead a team; however, if you can have the passion of emotion, without the irrationality, it is much better.
Thus, learn how to act. It disconnects the irrationality. Extremely useful for his outward influence now CEO Twitter , and inward motivating employees. I have had huge team problems because the peer group of senior leaders all had different opinions about the vision and priorities. If one of us had suggested a simple, quick, weekly breakfast or lunch meeting next door, we would have been on sync. It would have boosted the team's morale and effectiveness. This was an "aha" moment.
Senior leadership is a lot of acting. CXO's may not see some employees but once a year. The ability to turn on the energy and optimism acting is crucial to leave strong, lasting influences in people. Gestures should be short and forceful, not long and circular. How you carry yourself influences how you are viewed. Are you the carefree person, consistent worker, angry person, goofy one, solid leader, etc.?
Flustered or unsure people are marginalized. Related to acting. When choosing between emotions or a slower response, always choose the slower, more deliberate response. My editorializing. Not amazing, but short and I finished it. I think I can only read a small number of these kinds of books a year. Now I am ready to read more math books. Oct 22, Thomas Edmund rated it it was amazing. Pfeffer Glad this is a written review I have no idea how to say that name is an academic who specialises on organisational behaviour, and this book is essentially his advice on how to obtain, maintain, and understand power.
While his book unsurprisingly mostly focuses on corporate CEOs, Pfeffer's principals apply equally well to non-profits, politicians and any other situation that involves other people and positions of power. Probably the most helpful, but most unpalatable advice is to suck-up Pfeffer Glad this is a written review I have no idea how to say that name is an academic who specialises on organisational behaviour, and this book is essentially his advice on how to obtain, maintain, and understand power.
Probably the most helpful, but most unpalatable advice is to suck-up to the people who can put you into power. Anyone with ambition will benefit from this book, it is enjoyable to read, while still having valuable information. Something I'm interested in finding out is whether anyone disagreed with the content of the book and what their experiences of power are? Apr 20, Maura rated it really liked it. I thought I would dislike this book. I had thought most of the focus would be on wealthy white guys and their power plays.
I was pleasantly surprised by the examples concerning women, minorities, and non-Western cultures. I also appreciate the bit on women and anger, and how behaviors effective for men are not always as effective for women.
I never really thought about the "power" of the various departments at my company before reading this book. In retrospect, it's obvious that starting out in a I thought I would dislike this book.
In retrospect, it's obvious that starting out in a company's "most important" department full of talented, ambitious individuals could result in a longer, harder climb than starting out in an "up and coming" department. The study finding that there is no point at which too much flattery is ineffective was also worth noting. Overall, I took few notes on the material in this book.
I was glad to have been reminded of how not to give away power. However, I wasn't convinced that getting caught up in how to acquire power is likely to lead to personal happiness.
Apr 30, Cody Sexton rated it really liked it. An honest reality based assessment of power and organizational politics. A guide book for those of us that have ever wondered how someone in power managed to get in power in the first place and how we can do the same. Sep 30, Daniel Lee rated it it was ok. Wasn't the book for me. The advice is basically "the world is unfair.
Stomp on a few throats if you want as well. Apr 29, Jenny rated it liked it Shelves: re-read , book-challenge , book-challenge. Uses anecdotal evidence and like many advisory texts, can be slightly contradictory, but basic principles ring true.
Dec 04, Stephanie rated it it was ok. I couldn't finish. It seemed to be all about how to get power in order to move up an org chart. This book has some great information - but it seems to also be a powerpoint which someone extended to be a book. Some of the examples are very dated, so this needs a second release. Mar 06, Steve Granger rated it really liked it.
Management, red in tooth and claw. Pfeffer's no-nonsense approach melts through the bullshit like a molten rod through margarine. However, it's easy to walk away somewhat reluctant and depressed, but worry not idealists.
Just accept that power and politics is a part of social life and is incubated within organizations. Throw away the idea that obtaining power and looking out for one's own interests is an inherent evil to be exorcised.
If good people want to influence organizations to do good thi Management, red in tooth and claw. If good people want to influence organizations to do good things, they must get themselves into a position to do so. Just don't forget to sincerely try to be a good person when you can and remember that power lowers inhibitions and reduces sensitivity to others. Potentially more time could have been spent discussing how people can develop their constitutions to never forget these things, but otherwise this was a very interesting and insightful book.
Jan 26, Alexander Holzmann rated it it was amazing. The book Power goes into the fundamental of office politics and power structures within an organization. It's a guide on how to increase your power and defend yourself to maintain a powerful position - a fundamental toolkit needed for anyone operating in any organization.
Having previously studied organizational behavior, this book filled in many gaps of mine and expanded my understandin Jeffrey Pfeffer is a professor in Organizational Behavior at Graduate School of Business, Stanford University.
Having previously studied organizational behavior, this book filled in many gaps of mine and expanded my understanding for the structures that can occur within any organization. A pleasant read based on management science. Mar 23, Tolga rated it really liked it. I feel like I need to write a note on this one. I think it shows a different perspective that we all need to know and face with. A different side of us or the reality of the world.
But still it should be read to understand that this exists. And we need to be aware and be prepared for it. Oct 28, Kirill rated it really liked it. Jeffrey Pfeffer is a tough guy. The kind of professor that's intimidating, but still the one you want to be in the class with. This book is less about power, but more about politics and how it can help you survive in the world of corporate America, and in life in general.
It's a book for grownups with no sugarcoating. That's the one thing that's lacking here. A bit more encouragement and hope for the faint of heart. But then again, if it had that, it would be a completely different book. Oct 09, Jon Thompson rated it it was amazing. Some books change your life.
This can be one of them. Good Subscriber Account active since Shortcuts. Account icon An icon in the shape of a person's head and shoulders. It often indicates a user profile. Log out. US Markets Loading H M S In the news. Strategy Contributors. 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. 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.
Jeff Pfeffer nails it! Political skill, not just talent, is central to success in every field. In Power, this leading scholar comes down to earth with practical, even contrarian, tactics for mastering the power game.
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