#0114 - Surviving organisational politics with John Cutler

The story revolves around Morgan Snow, a career sex therapist at the Butterfield Institute, who becomes entangled in a murder investigation when one of her clients, Cleo Thane, an expensive call girl, goes missing. NYPD detective Noah Jordain seeks Morgan's advice, and as the investigation unfolds, Morgan finds herself dressing as a call girl to get close to the suspects. The plot involves ritualistic murders, a tell-all biography, and a complex web of powerful men with motives to kill Cleo. The novel explores themes of dual identities and the blurred lines between therapy and prostitution[5].

William Ury's "Getting to Yes with Yourself" offers a practical approach to navigating internal conflicts and making difficult decisions. The book emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and understanding one's own needs and values before engaging in external negotiations. Ury provides tools and techniques for achieving internal agreement, enabling individuals to approach challenging situations with greater clarity and confidence. The book's insights are applicable to various aspects of life, from personal relationships to professional settings. It encourages readers to develop a more constructive and effective approach to conflict resolution, both within themselves and with others.

Adam Kahane's "Collaborating with the Enemy" explores the dynamics of conflict and collaboration in complex situations. The book emphasizes the importance of understanding different perspectives and finding common ground, even with those who seem to be adversaries. Kahane provides a framework for facilitating dialogue and action, enabling individuals and groups to work together to address challenging issues. The book's insights are applicable to various contexts, from international relations to organizational settings. It encourages readers to develop a more constructive and effective approach to conflict resolution, fostering collaboration and achieving positive outcomes.

In this book, Jeffrey Pfeffer provides insightful and often counterintuitive advice on how power is successfully built and maintained in organizations. Drawing from his extensive experience in consulting and teaching, Pfeffer argues that power is not just for a select few but can be harnessed by anyone. The book dispels the myth that power is only for those in charge and instead reveals the true paths to career success, emphasizing the importance of personal networks, reputation, and effective social interactions. Pfeffer uses numerous examples from various countries and industries to illustrate his points, making the book an essential organizational survival manual and a new standard in the field of leadership and management.