Power need not be an enigma

Power need not be an enigma.

Yes, it is multifaceted. And, yes, it is the bringer of change and momentum in every civilisation. But power is not an alien, misunderstood concept.

Power is familiar.

One of the most revered professors at Stanford University, Professor Jeffrey Pfeffer tackles this seemingly daunting topic with realism, practicality and humanity in his exceptional book 7 Rules of Power. Through interrogating the nuances of power, this iconoclastic text is a modern “survival guide” for individuals, businesses and societies. His insights into the importance of first impressions, building a powerful brand and speaking with power are ones that I have witnessed propel people to power time and time again. It is indeed true, whether fortunate or unfortunate, that ‘image beats reality’.

And yet, the most groundbreaking concept of all is his second rule of power: break the rules. Every influential individual knows that “you can’t make an omelette without breaking a few eggs”, but what happens to the broken shells? What happens to the leftover mess? The answer is simple: after rules have been broken, new ones must be created. And what should these new rules be?

Get out of your own way, network relentlessly and understand that – once you have acquired power – what you did to get it will be forgiven, forgotten, or both.

Not only am I grateful for 7 Rules of Power, but also for taking part in Professor Pfeffer’s Leadership in Focus series.

Thank you Jeffrey Pfeffer for impacting my life in the most powerful way.