In today’s complex work world, things no longer get done simply because someone issues an order and someone else follows it. Most of us work in socially intricate organizations where we need the help not only of subordinates but of colleagues, superiors, and outsiders to accomplish our goals. This often leaves us in a “power gap” because we must depend on people over whom we have little or no explicit control. Power and Influence, by John P. Kotter, is a book about how to bridge that gap: how to exercise the power and influence you need to get things done through others when your responsibilities exceed your formal authority.

Full of original ideas and expert insights about how organizations—and the people in them—function, Power and Influence goes further, demonstrating that lower-level personnel also need strong leadership skills and interpersonal know-how to perform well. Kotter shows how you can develop sufficient resources of “unofficial” power and influence to achieve goals, steer clear of conflicts, foster creative team behavior, and gain the cooperation and support you need from subordinates, coworkers, superiors—even people outside your department or organization.

Power and Influence, published by Free Press on June 1, 1985, is a must-read for anyone looking to navigate the complexities of modern organizational structures and effectively lead and influence others. With its 240 pages of practical advice, this book is an invaluable resource for professionals seeking to enhance their leadership capabilities.