The Prince
February 23rd, 2006
The Prince by Niccolo Machiavelli
Why We Like This Book:
Unfortunately, large organizations are rife with politics. You’re not going to be successful simply being nice and smart. You’ll have to outmaneuver others at times to get your agenda approved. While poisoning others may not be apropos, the underlying rationale that “in difficult times really good ends can justify really bad means” still rings true. Well written too.
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February 12th, 2006 at 3:59 pm
Hi guys,
I was drifiting down the books page here and was impressed by the diversity of the choices you had made. I half expected to see a short list of the really important works but quickly realised that this, like your other suggestions, reinforces the concept of hard work (ie. its a lot of work to read all of the material suggested). Having read several of these already I am looking forward to discovering the others.
I nearly choked when I saw The Prince. I have an MA in Political Theory and have relied on the advice in this book quite often. Not because it is the most precise but because it offers actual tools. It is also not surprising that one of the most celebrated and hated Prime Ministers of Canada (my home), Pierre Elliott Trudeau, kept a copy in his night stand while he ran the country.
This is really focusing my personal development and I have been promoted recently - in no small part do I owe some of that to you guys. Many thanks.
Rob
February 12th, 2006 at 6:13 pm
Rob-
Glad you like the book list! Thrilled that we’re helping your career.
Yes, The Prince is a classic, which is another way to say “largely and sadly un-read”.
It’s a privilege to serve you,
Mark
March 1st, 2006 at 10:32 am
Great book to put in your favorites list. One other classic that I would add is “The Art of War” by Sun Tzu. This is a great book on strategy and management that has stood the test of time.
July 8th, 2006 at 9:02 pm
I have enjoyed these more recent books, which seem relevant to this - dark- thread:
1. 21 Dirty Tricks at Work: How to Win at Office Politics - by Mike Phipps.
2. It’s All Politics: Winning in a World Where Hard Work and Talent Aren’t Enough - by Kathleen Kelly Reardon
3. The Way of the Rat: A survival guide to office politics - by Joep PM Schrijvers
David
London UK