Power: Why Some People Have It―and Others Don't Hardcover – 1 Oct. 2010

This job provides a very thorough, well-structured and easy read. It not only outlines how to gain power in your current position, but also how to choose you next (or potentially first) position based on power dynamics in organizations.

I think this is a excellent book, especially as I start my career.I believe that I may even read it again,it lacks in depth analyses, but that also makes it quite readable. A very compelling book with material for further reading for those curious!

It is a great book on power and influence! Talks about a basic skill in any business (and even life) setting. Jeffrey is one of the thought leaders in this area. Had a chance to attend one of his lecture/ workshops on the topic as well and found him impressive!

An interesting read, especially good in explaining misunderstandings around this 'loaded' concept of power and influence within you, within a team or organization. I would certainly recommend Jefffrey Pfeffer's excellent article on 'Power Play' (HBR July 2010) to get a good overview on this topic.Here I liked Jeffrey Pfeffer's ability to point out the importance in how to deal, handle and use power. He points out to the actual reality regarding power play in all organizations. I can imagine for example that the chapter 'It takes more than performance' will be an eye-opener for many. If I want to be completely honest I have to say I liked some of Pfeffer's other books better, still this book here is probably going to have the biggest impact on yourself and in your career if applied properly.Highly recommended, especially if you have strong reservations regarding 'power'.Content:Introduction: be prepared for power- Why you should want power- Stop thinking, the world is just a place- Beware of the leadership literature- Get out of your own way- A guide to using this book1. It takes more than performance.- The weak link between performance and job outcomes- Get noticed- Define the dimensions of performance- Remember what matters to your boss- Make others feel better about themselves2. The personal qualities that bring influence- Change is always possible- Do an objective self-assessment- Seven important personal qualities that build power- Intelligence3. Choosing where to start- Unexpected paths to power- What makes some departments more powerful than others- Diagnosing departmental power- The trade-off: A strong power base versus less competition4. Getting in: Standing out and breaking some rules- Asking works- Don't be afraid to stand out and break the rules- Likability is overrated5. Making something out of nothing: Creating resources- Creating something out of almost nothing6. Building efficient and effective social networks- A definition of networking and networking skills- Networking jobs- The ability to network is important in most jobs- Network skills can be taught and learned- Spend sufficient time- Network with the right people- Create a strong structural position- Recognize the trade-offs7. Acting and speaking with power- Acting with power- Speaking powerfully8. Building a reputation: Perception is reality- You get only one chance to make a first impression- Carefully consider and construct your image- Build your image in the media- Overcome the self-promotion dilemma- The upside of some negative information- Remember : Image creates reality9. Overcoming opposition and setbacks- Overcoming opposition: How and when to fight- Coping with setbacks10. The price of power- Cost 1: Visibility and public scrutiny- Cost 2: The loss of autonomy- Cost 3: The time and effort required- Cost 4: Trust dilemmas- Cost 5: Power as an addictive drug11. How - and why - people lose power- Overconfidence, disinhibition, and ignoring the interests of others- Misplaced or too much trust- People lose patience- People get tired- The world changes, but tactics don't- Leave gracefully12. Power dynamics: Good for organizations, good for you?- Power and hierarchy are ubiquitous- Influence skills are useful for getting things done- Political influence versus hierarchy in decision making13. It's easier than you think- Building your path to power- Surviving and succeeding in organizationsFor further reading and learning

Highly recommended book with insights on power in organisations

Saw things around the office differently after reading this book

Thanks

The book is interesting but has too many anecdotal example to just fill in the pages. I really got bored of these anecdotal stories and started to skip them during the reading of the second half of the book.