Able Quote by Jeffrey Pfeffer
“Lyndon Johnson (with Abraham Lincoln close behind). Johnson was able to get things done, to read other people, and to adjust his own approach accordingly. One of the reasons he has so fascinated biographer Robert Caro over the years is Johnson's consummate skill in acquiring and using influence.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Power: Why Some People Have It—and Others Don’t, 2010
Johnson’s ability to read people and adapt his tactics made him masterful at wielding influence.
In simple terms: He succeeded by understanding and adjusting to others.
Key Takeaway
Develop keen observation and flexibility.
Themes
influence
leadership
adaptability
politics
Mood
pragmatic
insightful
Type
leadership
strategic
When to use this quote
- negotiations
- team management
- political campaigns
Key Concepts
social intelligence
strategy
power dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you assess others’ motives?
- When have you adjusted your approach successfully?
A Different Perspective
Adaptation alone may not overcome structural barriers.
![“And she [Eleanor Roosevelt]loves being a star. And she loves being a teacher and a leader and a mentor and a big friend. Also, she's tall. She's one of the tallest girls in the school. And she's an athlete. And she writes many years later, at the end of her life, she writes that the happiest day…” quote by Blanche Wiesen Cook](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d59/blanche-wiesen-cook-13340_athlete_and-she-eleanor-roosevelt-loves-being-a_1156436.jpg)
