rofessor Pfeffer is a world$-$recognized expert on power and influence in organizations. The chat centers around Professor Pfeffer$$s book entitled the $7$ Rules of Power,$$ and his insights, experiences and examples on increasing an individual$$s ability to get things done and drive change. What stood out for me were the seven rules of power which are:

Get Out of your own way

Break the rules

Show up in powerful fashion

Create a powerful brand

Network relentlessly

Use your power

Understand that once you have acquired power, what you did to get it will be forgiven, forgotten, or both.

Professor Pfeffer also fielded questions from the audience $($Stanford Business School$)$ regarding leadership, paradigm shifts, kindness, the complexities of life, and the value of a MBA. He posits that loyalty and being politically savvy can propel an individual to excel in their career and that performance is not the only factor in career success. In addition, Professor Pfeffer points to the importance of developing the archetypes of $$Hustler$$ and $$Politician$$ components to rise to the top in larger organizations. In addition, he spoke to the teachings of Machiavelli regarding leadership and the requirement of having power to effect change.

It may interest you to know that I find these seven contemporary rules to be all Biblical concepts $($especially$,$ Old Testament$)$ regarding leadership, decision$-$making, strategies, courage and will$-$power. These rules have helped me in many ways to develop managerial courage, build alliances, navigate many complexities and enhance my decision$-$making skillsets in both my personal and professional life. Most of these rules I adopted very early in my personal life $($I grew up with the Bible in hand$)$ but I have not manifested all these rules in my professional life. One in particular that I am mindful of in my professional life is networking relentlessly. I understand the benefits of this rule especially as a Superintendent but I willing to confess that I have gotten into my own way, partly due to social and cultural awareness $($Cross & Parker, $2004$; Bryan, Matson & Weiss, $2007).$ If not managed well, this approach can pose a risk to career advancements as well personal brand and Force reputation.

It is my considered view that knowledge and understanding of these seven rules are crucial, the challenge and the test will continue to lie in our willingness to apply these principles in a measured way and as a situation may demand. Rules design the door that opens to opportunities but without balance, the key will break in the lock. In support, a number of social scientists stress the need for balance in relation to power $($Vagts$,1948$; Georgesen & Harris, $2000$; Torbert, $2010).$ In summary, power is crucial to leadership; however, by recognizing the importance of balance, we can turn power$-$filled opportunities into successes and grow in various aspects of our personal life and career, provide a response.