Book Review: "7 Rules of Power" by Jeffrey Pfeffer

Introduction

"7 Rules of Power: Pfeffer, Jeffrey. “The Woman Leader: The Changing Shape of Leadership ‘Surprising—but True—Advice on How to Get Things Done and Advance Your Career” is the single most useful guide for anyone who wants to demystify power relations at the workplace. In this guidebook, Pfeffer – a professor at Stanford University and an author of numerous articles and books about organizational behavior – shares the result of his work and study covering the seven practical rules, which should help to define the nature of power and give the readers all necessary tools to achieve the personal career goals. It is not a book for CEOs and business tycoons only, but for any layman who is interested in exercising power more consciously and constructively in his workplace.

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Narrative Style and Structure

Discussing Pfeffer’s book, it is necessary to note that the narrative style is simple, informative, and compelling. By integrating statistical data, case studies, and guidelines, which are illustrated in this publication, he provides not only the relevant information but also the solutions to the problems mentioned. The tone is assertive and straightforward, which seems to be so given the author’s background and a body of work in the field. Based on such structure, each chapter is devoted to one of the seven rules, thus the guide is well-structured and easy to understand and utilize.

The structure of the book is logical – at the beginning of every chapter, the author briefly explains the rule, then goes through the historical and scientific background and examples of the rule in action. Apart from cases, the author also employs narratives and relevant research data, such that reader can easily put it into a real-life perspective. The rules are not only explained in this structure to increase understanding but are also laid out in such a way that can be easily referred to when needed, by the reader.

Plot Summary

Well, although “7 Rules of Power” doesn’t fit into the narration as a conventional story, it progresses through a number of strategies aiming to teach the reader about power relations. The seven rules that Pfeffer outlines are: The seven rules that Pfeffer outlines are:

Stop Sabotaging Yourself – Eliminate obstacles you place before yourself and get into the proper frame of mind for attaining and utilizing power.

While there are certain standard practices that are acceptable in every field, it is also pertinent to learn when and how one can bend these rules to his advantage.

1-Arrive in Style - Dominance - aiming at how appearance, gestures, and other aspects related to non-verbal communication can enhance the power and authority of a person.

2-Establish a Strong Brand Identity - To do this, create a brand people inevitably have to listen to and acknowledge.

3-Network Relentlessly – Strategic networking is critical because it involves establishing and maintaining contacts that could offer support and/or opportunities.

4-Be Fearless – Taking risks, and uncertainty are just processes one has to undertake in the power struggle.

5-Power Should be Exercised Wisely - Make sure you engage in the use of power in a responsible and appropriate manner for the desired results to be achieved.

6-Thus, each of the chapters focuses on a single rule and reveals recommendations based on the stakes, use, and caveats of the particular rule. Writing in detail and laying down a number of real-life rules, Pfeffer adeptly provides the readers with an exhaustive view of each of them and a set of tips on how to deploy them in practice.

Themes and Symbolism

Unlike Machiavelli’s representation of power, the TV series “7 Rules of Power” is based on the rather utilitarian matter of how power can be earned and applied in the workplace. Thus, Pfeffer effectively illustrates that power is an indispensable characteristic of professionalism, and gaining a deeper insight into how one should employ it in practice is mandatory for a person willing to succeed in a given line of work. He knocks down many myths about power and actually gives a wiser vision of how an individual can get ahead in the real world.

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The second concept concerns responsibility and self-organization; some essential guidelines of which are presented in the following section. In his work; Pfeffer states that the major barrier to the achievement of power is within an organization and the mindset that has to be embraced in order to take power. This theme is clearly evident in the first addressed rule in the entire book titled, ‘Get Out of Your Own Way.’

Other main topics in the academic discipline are also Networking and Relationship Building. Connecting with other people and forming alliances for control and influence is described by Pfeffer. The rule “Network Relentlessly” reinforces the fact that a man’s worth in an organization is as influential as the knowledge he posses given the fact that he has the right contacts.

There are no huge and blatant symbols throughout the book, however, the author often practices the usage of cases and examples. These stories are symbols of the rules that Pfeffer has argued about; people can learn how the rules work from different endeavors as well as the effects of observing the rules on the promotion of one’s career.

Character Analysis

Since “7 Rules of Power” is a non-fiction novel, there are no characters in the regular sense of the word; however, by using real-life examples of important people, Pfeffer achieves a significant result. Those people can be top managers and politicians as well as ordinary employees who successfully implemented all the recommendations given in the book.

There is Apple’s Chief and his unconventional system of leadership and power mentioned while considering breaking the rules and building a powerful brand. The show of defiance to traditional practices and strengthening of the individual, and corporate personality also meets several of Pfeffer’s rules.

The other such popular example is of Oprah Winfrey who rose from the background of a troubled childhood to become the richest African American woman and owner of one of the most popular TV shows of that time. The provided narration of Winfrey’s life is employed with the intention of showing that internal factors must be conquered and one must establish good relations to achieve great influence and impact.

In these and other examples, Pfeffer makes his principles more realistic and explains the ways and the realistic outcomes they can produce.

Pacing and Tension

”7 Rules of Power” contains much activity, and the rhythm of the display is rather active. Due to the simplicity in writing used by Pfeffer, anybody can read this book without necessarily the help of a tutor Though use of stories and cases ensures that the book has life, enabling people who read it to be active in understanding what the book portrays. This is what gives the tension in the book, simply because Pfeffer’s advice is tough and sometimes goes against all the existing practices. In doing so, the readers come to consciously or unconsciously doubt their own views and appraisal of power, thus raising the imperative to continue reading.

The power strategies are introduced in sequence and from chapter to chapter the ability of the reader to multidimensionally understand the dynamics of power is developed. This progression also guarantees that the book doesn’t lose its steam and has a consistent purpose where each rule that is introduced seeks to provide another dimension of classification and engagement.

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Critique and Reflection

The book ‘’7 Rules of Power’’ offers the reader an inspiring and analytical look at the workings of power in organizational environments. With practical annotations and strategies of a proven career coach, Pfeffer’s book will be useful for those seeking career enhancement. There is an implementation of real-life cases that contributes to the reliability of the principles presented in the book, coupled with the fact that the author relied on empirical evidence.

There can be one key sort of critique, which is that some readers may deem the counsel provided by Pfeffer as being ruthlessly utilitarian naïve or, to the point, Machiavellian. The expectations to rebel against rules, and networks, and wield power do not sit well with more optimistic ideas about leadership and achievement. However, to these worries, power has been described by Pfeffer as an ethical consideration and a responsible use of it.

Another criticism is that the topical organization by power in realms of professional life does not wholly capture and develop the dynamics, meanings, and effects of power in different domains including interpersonal or service ones; community organization ones, and so on. Thus, even though the principles described in the book are to varying extents generalizable, readers may have to reinterpret them in a teaching context.

Still, “7 Rules of Power” presents a rather useful and provoking view concerning power and career achievements and, therefore, is not to be dismissed. Another strength is that Pfeffer is very clear and specific about the importance of self-awareness, mindset, especially the right mindset, and strategic action, all of which prepare the readers with theoretical and practical knowledge regarding the power dynamics in one’s personal life.

Conclusion

"7 Rules of Power: "The knowing-doing gap: How the things we know don’t translate into actions to get things done and improve our performance, and what to do about it,” “Power and organization: Moving people to action; Surprising—but True—Advice on How to Get Things Done and Advance Your Career” by Jeffrey Pfeffer is a good read for anyone intending to figure out the dynamics in power setting. As with most of Pfeffer’s other works, Drive: The Surprising Truth about What Motivates Us is chock full of straightforward, logical recommendations and persuasive case studies that equip readers with the knowledge needed to succeed in the workplace.

If one compares this book to other works on project management, one will notice that each of the seven chapters is devoted to one of the rules presented in the manuscript. Pfeffer’s storytelling mimics many of the elements in storytelling, at the same time, the empirical evidence and practical emphasis make the book more than a captivating story.

Though some of the readers may consider the advice as too tense or hard to swallow, the book is very enriched with concerns over ethics as well as the proper utilization of power. ”7 Rules of Power” makes the readers think about how they deal with power and how changing their attitude and employing a certain set of strategies can improve their careers.

For this reason, “7 Rules of Power” is a highly recommendable book that every reader looking for a way to succeed in a career should read. whether you are a fresh employee or a business worker, it seems that all the principles that Pfeffer introduced above would work for you in the struggle for power and new success.

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