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 book
1. 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 themselves
2. The personal qualities that bring influence
- Change is always possible
- Do an objective self-assessment
- Seven important personal qualities that build power
- Intelligence
3. 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 competition
4. Getting in: Standing out and breaking some rules
- Asking works
- Don't be afraid to stand out and break the rules
- Likability is overrated
5. Making something out of nothing: Creating resources
- Creating something out of almost nothing
6. 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-offs
7. Acting and speaking with power
- Acting with power
- Speaking powerfully
8. 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 reality
9. Overcoming opposition and setbacks
- Overcoming opposition: How and when to fight
- Coping with setbacks
10. 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 drug
11. 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 gracefully
12. 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 making
13. It's easier than you think
- Building your path to power
- Surviving and succeeding in organizations
For further reading and learning
- No Rush Promotion. Here's how (terms and conditions apply)
