The Power Playbook: Master the 7 Rules for Achieving Success
Harness the Power Within You to Transform Your Career, Organization, and Life!
Month 1 Book Project
Jeffrey Pfeffer, professor of organizational behavior at the Stanford University Graduate School of Business, provides the insights that have made both his online and on-campus classes incredibly popular—with life-changing results often achieved within a few weeks.
Rooted firmly in social-science research, Pfeffer’s 7 Rules provide a manual for increasing your ability to get things done, including increasing the positive effects of your job performance.
A. Introduction
“If you want power to be used for good, more good people need to have power.” — Jeffrey Pfeffer
In 7 Rules of Power, Jeffrey Pfeffer shares his personal journey, which has shaped his approach to power. Early in his career, he believed that hard work, expertise, and being the smartest person in the room would naturally lead to success.
However, as he navigated his path, he came to realize that skills and knowledge alone weren’t enough to achieve the influence and recognition he sought. Power, he discovered, was a critical element in attaining success—something that wasn’t openly discussed in academia or corporate circles.
Through his research and personal experiences, Pfeffer began to understand the complexities of power and its importance in professional advancement and personal fulfillment.
What struck him most was that power isn’t inherently good or evil—it’s simply a tool.
How it’s used determines its impact. Instead of shying away from power, Pfeffer leaned into it, studying how those who wield it strategically can achieve remarkable outcomes.
His work in organizational behavior at Stanford allowed him to refine these insights and develop the “7 Rules of Power.” These principles are grounded in years of research, learning from high achievers, and his own experiences.
This journey taught Pfeffer that power, when understood and used effectively, can be a powerful force for positive change. Learning how to wield it can unlock incredible opportunities, transform lives, and reshape organizations.
Jeffrey Pfeffer is a professor of organizational behavior at the Stanford Graduate School of Business, known for his expertise in leadership, power, and organizational dynamics. He has authored numerous influential books, including Power: Why Some People Have It and Others Don’t, and 7 Rules of Power.
Pfeffer's most significant contribution is his research on the role of power in achieving success within organizations. His work challenges conventional views by emphasizing that power is not only a necessary tool for career advancement but also something that can be strategically harnessed to create change and influence.
To get the most value and insights from this book project, purchase the book.
Amazon | Kindle $12.99 | Hardcover $20.99 | Paperback $15 |
B. Book Overview
7 Rules of Power by Jeffrey Pfeffer offers a practical and research-driven guide to understanding and leveraging power for success in both personal and professional life.
Drawing on his extensive experience in organizational behavior, Pfeffer presents seven essential rules that can help individuals increase their influence, drive career advancement, and create meaningful change. These rules include strategies such as breaking the rules, building a powerful personal brand, networking relentlessly, and using power effectively once acquired.
Pfeffer emphasizes that power is neither inherently good nor bad; it is a tool that, when used strategically, can lead to remarkable achievements. Through compelling examples and evidence-based insights, Pfeffer illustrates how mastering power can unlock opportunities, foster job satisfaction, and accelerate organizational transformation.
This book provides a roadmap for anyone seeking to elevate their career, leadership, and overall impact in the world.
C. The 7 Rules of Power
Rule # 1 Get Out of Your Own Way
You might be your biggest obstacle. Doubt, fear, and waiting for permission keep you stuck. Success isn’t about playing nice—it’s about taking control, believing in yourself, and making bold moves. Own your worth, stop hesitating, and step into your power.
Rule # 2 Break the Rules
The most successful people don’t blindly follow the rules—they challenge them. Many rules exist to maintain the status quo, not to help you succeed. The key? Know which ones to break, when to bend them, and how to push boundaries without burning bridges.
Rule # 3 Appear Powerful
People judge you by how you present yourself. Confidence, body language, and presence determine how much influence you have. Walk tall, speak with authority, and command attention. If you look powerful, people will treat you that way.
Rule # 4 Build a Powerful Brand
Your reputation speaks before you do. To gain power, you need a strong personal brand that reflects your strengths, expertise, and influence. Shape how people see you—online and offline—and become known for what you do best.
Rule # 5 Network Relentlessly
It’s not just what you know—it’s who knows you. Power comes from relationships. Build connections, nurture them, and surround yourself with people who can open doors. Opportunities don’t come to those who wait; they come to those who network.
Rule # 6 Use Your Power
Having power means nothing if you don’t use it. Many hesitate, fearing pushback, but powerful people act. Speak up, make decisions, and take control. Influence grows when you exercise it—so stop waiting and start leading.
Rule # 7 Success Excuses (Almost) Everything
Results matter. People may criticize your methods, but if you deliver, they’ll respect you. Power players focus on outcomes, not approval. Play smart, achieve success, and people will overlook how you got there.
This book isn’t about playing fair—it’s about playing smart. Ready to step into your power?
D. Applying the 7 Rules to Benefit Society
At its core, power is simply a tool. Like most tools, when mastered, it can be used to achieve remarkable accomplishments, cause significant harm, or anything in between. The key point is this: don’t confuse your reactions to “power” with your reactions to how or why it’s been used—especially if it has been wielded successfully against you. Instead of resenting the unavoidable presence of power in social life, focus on mastering it.
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