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?

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.

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.

Does *Power* recommend unethical behavior?

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.

Power Summary, PDF, EPUB, Audio

Power

Jeffrey Pfeffer

3.88 (5174 Reviews)

Business Career Leadership Relationship

Panoramica

Punti Chiave

Autore

Domande Frequenti

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?

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The surest way to maintain your position and build power is helping those above you feel better about themselves.

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483

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

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Creato da alumni della Columbia University a San Francisco

BeFreed Riunisce Una Community Globale Di 1,000,000 Menti Curiose

Scopri di piu su come si parla di BeFreed nel 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

1.5K Ratings4.7

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Power

Jeffrey Pfeffer

3.88 (5174 Reviews)

Business Career Leadership Relationship

Panoramica

Punti Chiave

Autore

Domande Frequenti

Esplora il Tuo Modo di Imparare

Riassunto Rapido9min

Senti il libro attraverso la voce dell'autore

Approfondimento42min

Trasforma la conoscenza in spunti coinvolgenti e ricchi di esempi

Flashcard10 spunti

Cattura le idee chiave in un lampo per un apprendimento veloce

Divertente24min

Goditi il libro in modo divertente e coinvolgente

Migliore citazione da Power

The surest way to maintain your position and build power is helping those above you feel better about themselves.

Altri come questo

Power Relationships

Andrew Sobel & Jerold Panas

Power Questions

Andrew Sobel & Jerold Panas

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

27 sources

Power Plays: The Strategy Behind Influence

3 sources

Mastering Workplace Power: From Victim to Victory

28 sources

The Power Playbook: Why Politics is Rigged

Acting with Power

Deborah Gruenfeld

Punti chiave

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

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Riassunto Rapido

Riassunto di Power in 9 Minuti

Scomponi le idee chiave di Power in punti facili da capire per comprendere come i team innovativi creano, collaborano e crescono.

00:00

Flashcard

Top 10 Spunti da Power in Sintesi

Distilla Power in rapidi promemoria che evidenziano i principi chiave di franchezza, lavoro di squadra e resilienza creativa.

Divertente

Lezioni da Power Raccontate in Storie di 24 Min

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00:00

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Creato da alumni della Columbia University a San Francisco

BeFreed Riunisce Una Community Globale Di 1,000,000 Menti Curiose

Scopri di piu su come si parla di BeFreed nel 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

Creato da alumni della Columbia University a San Francisco

BeFreed Riunisce Una Community Globale Di 1,000,000 Menti Curiose

Scopri di piu su come si parla di BeFreed nel 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

1.5K Ratings4.7

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Power by Jeffrey Pfeffer Summary

Overview of Power

Similar books to Power

Migliore citazione da Power

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Punti chiave

The Illusion That Merit Always Wins

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

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Altri come questo

Punti chiave

The Illusion That Merit Always Wins

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