Certain Quote by Jeffrey Pfeffer
“I am increasingly convinced that people who have power are not necessarily smarter than others. Beyond a certain level of intelligence and level in the hierarchy, everyone is smart. What differentiates people is their political skill and savvy.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Power: Why Some People Have It—and Others Don’t, 2010
Argues that political skill, not intelligence, determines success in hierarchical organizations
In simple terms: Success depends on navigating politics, not just intellect
Develop political savvy for career advancement
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- corporate promotion
- team leadership
- networking events
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you use political skill ethically?
- What limits does intelligence still have?
Political skill can be perceived as manipulative or unethical