Power: Why Some People Have It—and Others Don't Summary, PDF, EPUB, Audio

Q: What is *Power: Why Some People Have It—and Others Don’t* about?

Jeffrey Pfeffer’s *Power* examines how to build influence in organizations, arguing that merit alone rarely guarantees success. It provides actionable strategies for gaining power, including cultivating visibility, building strategic networks, and mastering organizational politics. The book challenges the “just-world fallacy,” emphasizing proactive self-advocacy over passive reliance on hard work.

Q: What are the 7 qualities for building power according to Pfeffer?

1. **Ambition** 2. **Energy** 3. **Focus** 4. **Self-knowledge** 5. **Confidence** 6. **Empathy** 7. **Conflict tolerance** Notably, intelligence and job performance are excluded. Pfeffer argues these traits can be developed through deliberate practice.

Q: How does *Power* suggest handling setbacks?

Maintain resilience through **reputation management** and **strategic pivots**. Examples include Anne’s MBA-era power play (switching classes to access scarcer engineers) and CEOs preemptively ousting rivals.

Power: Why Some People Have It—and Others Don't

Jeffrey Pfeffer

3.88 (5174 Reviews)

Business

Leadership

Career

Relationship

Overview

Key Takeaways

Author

FAQs

Jeffrey Pfeffer's "Power" shatters workplace myths: success isn't about talent but political savvy. Praised by Jim Collins as "indispensable" and ranked among Thinkers50's top management guides, it reveals why nice guys finish last. Ready to play the real game?

What is Power: Why Some People Have It—and Others Don’t about?

Jeffrey Pfeffer’s Power examines how to build influence in organizations, arguing that merit alone rarely guarantees success. It provides actionable strategies for gaining power, including cultivating visibility, building strategic networks, and mastering organizational politics. The book challenges the “just-world fallacy,” emphasizing proactive self-advocacy over passive reliance on hard work.

Who should read Power: Why Some People Have It—and Others Don’t?

Aspiring leaders, mid-career professionals, and anyone navigating hierarchical workplaces will benefit. Pfeffer’s insights are particularly valuable for roles requiring influence without formal authority, such as product managers or cross-functional leads. Critics note its pragmatic—some say cynical—approach to organizational dynamics.

Is Power: Why Some People Have It—and Others Don’t worth reading?

Yes, for its evidence-based tactics on career advancement. Pfeffer combines academic research (e.g., linking power to longevity) with case studies of figures like Jack Welch. While some criticize its ethical ambiguity, the book’s unflinching look at workplace realities makes it a standout in leadership literature.

What are the 7 qualities for building power according to Pfeffer?

Ambition
Energy
Focus
Self-knowledge
Confidence
Empathy
Conflict tolerance

Notably, intelligence and job performance are excluded. Pfeffer argues these traits can be developed through deliberate practice.

How does Power address health and longevity?

Low-power roles correlate with higher mortality risks, per a 7,372-subject UK study. Stress from lack of control—not just lifestyle factors—drives this disparity. Pfeffer urges readers to “seek power as if your life depends on it,” linking status to biological resilience.

What is the “just-world hypothesis” critique in Power?

The myth that merit alone ensures success leads people to underestimate political savvy. Pfeffer shows how high performers often fail promotions by avoiding self-promotion or networking. He advises reframing “fairness” as a game with learnable rules.

While Pfeffer acknowledges tactics like flattering superiors or deflecting blame, he frames them as neutral tools. Critics argue this ignores moral consequences, but supporters praise its realism about corporate survival.

How does Power suggest handling setbacks?

Maintain resilience through reputation management and strategic pivots. Examples include Anne’s MBA-era power play (switching classes to access scarcer engineers) and CEOs preemptively ousting rivals.

What career-starting advice does Power offer?

Choose roles with:

High visibility to decision-makers
Clear performance metrics you can influence
Scarce, critical skills (e.g., engineering over general management)

This creates leverage early in one’s career.

How does Power compare to The 48 Laws of Power?

Both advocate strategic self-interest, but Pfeffer focuses on empirical organizational studies versus historical anecdotes. Power leans corporate; 48 Laws has broader philosophical scope. Ideal for readers seeking data-backed methods over Machiavellian theory.

What modern relevance does Power have in 2025?

As remote work fragments hierarchies, Pfeffer’s emphasis on virtual visibility (e.g., mastering video presence) and cross-functional coalition-building remains critical. The rise of AI-driven promotions amplifies his warning: “Performance reviews rarely reflect reality”.

Can Power’s strategies backfire?

Yes—overconfidence and alienating allies are key pitfalls. Pfeffer cautions to balance assertiveness with occasional humility. His “leave before the party’s over” principle advises exiting roles gracefully to cement legacy.

Start Reading Your Way

Quick Summary

Feel the book through the author's voice

Deep Dive

Turn knowledge into engaging, example-rich insights

Flash Card

Capture key ideas in a flash for fast learning

Fun

Enjoy the book in a fun and engaging way

More like this

The Power Paradox

Dacher Keltner

Power Relationships

Andrew Sobel & Jerold Panas

Power Questions

Andrew Sobel & Jerold Panas

Jeremy Heimans and Henry Timms

The Power of Bad

John Tierney

The Power of the Other

Henry Cloud

Revenge of the Tipping Point

Malcolm Gladwell

The Tao of Sexology

Stephen Thomas Chang

How to Memorize Anything

Aditi Singhal & Sudhir Singhal

Key takeaways

The Illusion That Merit Always Wins

00:00

What if everything you believed about career success was wrong? We're taught that hard work, talent, and integrity pave the road to the top. Yet award-winning school superintendent Rudy Crew was forced out months after being named National Superintendent of the Year. Ken Kizer transformed the Veterans Health Administration into what experts called "the best medical care in the U.S."-then lost his job to political opposition. Even Steve Jobs, the visionary behind Apple, was once fired from his own company. The uncomfortable truth? Performance alone doesn't guarantee advancement, and poor performance doesn't necessarily doom you. Research reveals that job evaluations are heavily influenced by supervisors' prior opinions rather than actual results. What truly determines who rises isn't just what you accomplish-it's whether the right people know about it, remember you, and feel good around you. The "mere exposure effect" shows that familiarity breeds preference. Your brilliance matters far less than your visibility, and the sooner you accept this reality, the faster you'll stop waiting for recognition that may never arrive.

The Seven Qualities That Command Attention

Positioning Yourself Where Power Lives

Standing Out Without Apology

Networks That Multiply Your Reach

Speaking and Acting Like You've Already Arrived

The Price of Power and Why It's Worth Paying

Explore Your Way of Learning

Power: Why Some People Have It—and Others Don't isn't just a book — it's a masterclass in Business. To help you absorb its lessons in the way that works best for you, we offer five unique learning modes. Whether you're a deep thinker, a fast learner, or a story lover, there's a mode designed to fit your style.

Quick Summary

Power: Why Some People Have It—and Others Don't Summary in 9 Minutes

Break down key ideas from Power: Why Some People Have It—and Others Don't into bite-sized takeaways to understand how innovative teams create, collaborate, and grow.

00:00

Flash Card

Top 10 Insights from Power: Why Some People Have It—and Others Don't in a Nutshell

Distill Power: Why Some People Have It—and Others Don't into rapid-fire memory cues that highlight Pixar’s principles of candor, teamwork, and creative resilience.

Fun

Power: Why Some People Have It—and Others Don't Lessons Told Through 24-Min Stories

Experience Power: Why Some People Have It—and Others Don't through vivid storytelling that turns Pixar’s innovation lessons into moments you’ll remember and apply.

00:00

Personalize

Experience Power: Why Some People Have It—and Others Don't in your own way.

Ask anything, pick the voice, and co-create insights that truly resonate with you.

From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco

BeFreed Brings Together A Global Community Of 200,000+ Curious Minds

See more on how BeFreed is discussed across the web

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

Start your learning journey, now

Download This Summary

Get the Power: Why Some People Have It—and Others Don't summary as a free PDF or EPUB. Print it or read offline anytime.

Power: Why Some People Have It—and Others Don't by Jeffrey Pfeffer Summary

Overview of Power: Why Some People Have It—and Others Don't

Key Takeaways from Power: Why Some People Have It—and Others Don't

Overview of its author - Jeffrey Pfeffer

Common FAQs of Power: Why Some People Have It—and Others Don't

Similar books to Power: Why Some People Have It—and Others Don't

More like this