Motivational Book – The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene

The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene provides some common historical perspectives for fitting into a corporate or organizational culture. Each culture has a different emphasis so that the rules in Greene’s book cannot be generalized everywhere. Greene’s recitation of 48 Laws is an attempt at distilling 3000 years of the history of power into a single book.

Greene advises people to say as little as possible in an organization. This advice has benefits, as well as disbenefits. The benefits are that information control can be useful to prevent rumors and stories from spreading. The disbenefit is that people may not have the requisite information to make decisions.

Saying as little as possible can lead to isolation which Greene criticizes. Being out of touch can have great costs with regard to moving ideas and people forward. Ultimately, good decisions are made and executed in an environment where information flows freely.

Information control does have its place. For instance, insider information has to be controlled; otherwise, whole classes of investors could be placed at a disadvantage.

Greene advises readers to plan. This is good advice because a lack of planning can impact the bottom line ultimately. He explains the necessity of getting others to do work for you through delegation. This aspect is critical so that work can be compartmentalized in accordance with expertise within an organization.

Greene explains that the best way to win is with your actions and solid accomplishments. This is sound advice because excessive self promotion can be problematic.

The book has a section which explains how to master the timing of communications. This aspect is very critical. No one ever got far by asking the boss for time off in the middle of a frantic schedule.

Greene spends some time explaining the importance of recreating oneself. The idea of wearing a different hat or projecting a different image can give the impression of renewal, although the converse is also true. The best option is to be yourself. Recreating an image can be problematic.

The 48 Laws Of Power by Robert Greene provides an interesting read. Some of the advice should be followed. Readers can experience problems with trying to generalize all of Greene’s advice across every corporate or organizational culture.