Power Summary

Is working hard and playing by the rules enough to achieve success? This book reveals why it often isn’t and how embracing effective strategies can set you apart.

1. Hard work alone does not guarantee advancement

Many believe that consistent hard work will naturally lead to recognition and promotion. Employees often think their performance speaks for itself, waiting for superiors to notice their dedication. However, studies reveal that great job performance has only a small impact on whether an employee gets promoted.

For instance, research on workers at the Dutch aircraft manufacturer Fokker showed that employees rated as "very good" were only 12% more likely to be promoted than those rated merely "good." This demonstrates that excelling in work tasks alone does not determine who moves up the ladder.

Another key reason is the widespread acceptance of the just-world hypothesis, which assumes that virtue and success go hand in hand. This mindset prevents people from understanding that others might use unconventional or even unethical strategies to get ahead. By disregarding different tactics, employees often miss opportunities to learn from those strategies, leaving them stuck in their current roles.

Examples

• Fokker employees with similar performance ratings showed little difference in promotion rates.
• Colleagues who adopt assertive or unorthodox behavior often reach top positions more quickly.
• People dismiss others’ questionable behaviors, believing "justice" will catch up with them.

2. Leadership is a skill anyone can learn

There’s a common misconception that leaders are born with inherent abilities. This view can dissuade many from aspiring to leadership roles. However, leadership traits, like confidence, energy, and empathy, can all be developed.

Confidence is fundamental to leadership. Whether taking on ambitious goals or pursuing promotions, self-belief propels individuals to action. Additionally, energy is vital for enduring the demanding journey to higher positions, often requiring long hours and consistent effort.

Another cornerstone is empathy, helping individuals understand what others value and need. Knowing what decision-makers in your company prioritize—whether loyalty or innovative thinking—can guide you to align your actions with their expectations. Leadership isn’t a mystical trait; it’s a skill developed through awareness and practice.

Examples

• A driven team leader building confidence while navigating project challenges can inspire trust.
• Long work hours and efficient energy management are often needed in industries like finance.
• Empathetic leaders can identify team pain points, resulting in higher performance.

3. The department you work in matters

Where you start in a company can heavily influence your future opportunities. Power dynamics within organizations mean some departments offer far greater value for career growth than others.

Consider a study of 338 managers in a public utility: those who began in influential departments saw faster salary growth and better opportunities in future roles. For example, finance and legal departments often have closer access to senior management, granting employees inside knowledge and influence.

Furthermore, departments represented on powerful committees, such as a board of directors, are more likely to help employees rise faster. Proximity to decision-makers and strategic areas of the business is a clear advantage for career advancement.

Examples

• Staff in finance departments often maintain closer connections to executives compared to human resources.
• Engineers moved away from senior management locations at one company as power shifted to legal and financial sectors.
• High-ranking meetings frequently feature experts from strategy-oriented divisions.

4. Visibility and boldness open doors

Standing out from the crowd is key to getting noticed for promotions. Managers are more likely to remember employees who make themselves visible, challenging the idea that blending in is safer. Asking meaningful questions, offering ideas, or seeking guidance from superiors can leave lasting impressions.

For instance, inviting a boss to lunch and inquiring about personal growth opportunities demonstrates confidence. Studies even show that people tend to underestimate how willing others are to help. This makes individuals reluctant to ask for support, missing potential allies and mentors.

In addition to visibility, breaking norms to grab attention can effectively differentiate you. Think about a flamboyant athlete like Cristiano Ronaldo, whose charisma and unique demeanor make him memorable—even beyond his technical skills.

Examples

• Asking management for direct advice on growth strategies impresses decision-makers.
• Many professionals wrongly believe others won’t respond to their requests for assistance.
• Ronaldo’s social confidence and image resonate far beyond his sporting achievements.

5. Help others to get their help

People rarely succeed without support. Building strong relationships requires reciprocity. Offering value—whether with assistance, advice, or even emotional support—encourages others to return the favor when you need it.

When you take on smaller, undesirable tasks for colleagues, it creates a sense of social indebtedness. Likewise, volunteering to help supervisors organize events or share responsibilities can elevate your profile.

A prime example is Willie Brown, a Democrat who secured enduring Republican support during his time leading the California Assembly. His fairness and respectful treatment of ideological opponents created goodwill, earning allies despite their differing political beliefs.

Examples

• Helping a team member with repetitive tasks can lead to future collaboration.
• Offering fair leadership builds loyalty and respect across departments or political divides.
• Volunteering for workplace activities cultivates gratitude among higher-ups.

6. Your behavior communicates power

The way you carry yourself significantly impacts the impressions you leave on others. Confident body language and calm, deliberate speech signal authority, while appearing rushed or unsure indicates insecurity.

Positive emotions also have a ripple effect. For example, smiling when passing colleagues fosters trust and warmth, which can become an asset in professional interactions. Additionally, psychologists studying anger found that expressing controlled frustration makes people appear decisive and intelligent.

The effectiveness of this demeanor extends into public speaking. Politicians and other confident public figures often pause deliberately while communicating. This not only reduces missteps but also conveys strength and composure.

Examples

• Smiling during a difficult conversation diffuses tension and builds rapport.
• Deliberate communication ensures consistency while avoiding careless mistakes.
• Strong but measured expressions of disagreement reflect competence.

7. Reputation sets the tone

First impressions—and reputations—shape how people perceive and interact with you. Once established, initial judgments can become self-reinforcing. This happens through "cognitive discounting," where individuals focus only on qualities that match their preconceived notions.

A striking example is the prank by comedian Charlie Varon, who posed as an academic expert during a conference presentation. Attendees listened attentively only because they believed his credentials were real. In the workplace, starting strong or switching to environments without pre-existing biases may often be smarter than attempting to reverse a poor reputation.

Examples

• Faking expertise as a prank showed how easily reputations can mislead audiences.
• Leaders who establish reliability early build long-term trust with teams.
• Transitioning to new roles in different companies often provides a fresh slate.

8. Conflict isn’t to be feared but managed tightly

Climbing the ladder involves occasional conflict. Leadership requires confronting adversarial situations head-on rather than avoiding them, but fighting every battle is counterproductive. Learning when to back away and when to stand firm is an essential skill.

If conflict becomes unavoidable, always allow your opponent a dignified exit. Burning bridges creates long-term opposition unnecessarily. This approach not only preserves potential alliances but builds a reputation for fairness.

Political veteran Willie Brown demonstrated this repeatedly. He often helped rivals find alternative paths after defeating them politically, preventing them from retaliating down the line.

Examples

• Addressing only consequential conflicts conserves time and energy.
• Offering opponents respectful retreats avoids their lingering animosity.
• Leaders like Brown turned former enemies into cooperating allies.

9. Perseverance turns setbacks into opportunities

Failure is inevitable during the pursuit of power. Although it’s tempting to retreat after a mistake or setback, perseverance often determines future success. Steve Jobs famously demonstrated this after his public firing from Apple.

Instead of leaving Silicon Valley heartbroken, Jobs launched two ventures, NeXT and Pixar, ultimately returning to Apple later with even greater influence. Such stories highlight the value of refusing to let single failures define one’s trajectory.

Examples

• Jobs’ resilience post-Apple transformed him into an unrivaled industry icon.
• Leaders who step back up after public missteps often earn even greater admiration.
• Building on lessons from setbacks ensures longer-term success.

Takeaways

1. Reflect on strengths and prioritize where you can refine leadership traits like empathy.
2. Identify industry niches or corporate departments where influence concentrates and position yourself accordingly.
3. Embrace moments of conflict selectively—only when progress or core goals are blocked.