The Game of Power: 36 Masterful Mindsets for Efficient Management, Manipulating Hearts, and Successful Advancement

Do you want financial freedom and a happy work life? Do you want a high-ranking position of power while maintaining a broad social circle? Is it truly impossible to have both fame and fortune alongside genuine friendships? Only children choose; as a successful adult, the answer is: I want it all!

【Success Requires Thinking】

"Thinking determines everything"—this is no exaggeration. When thought is combined with goals, persistence, and a burning desire for material wealth, it becomes a powerful force. British author Samuel Smiles believed that to make the golden rules of success your own, you must develop the habit of positive affirmation. Without this, even if the subconscious produces better impulses, desires will remain unfulfilled. In contrast to positive thinking is negative thinking; approaching things proactively is affirmation, while being passive is negation.

【Winning Hearts Through the Art of "Serving Tea"】

Konosuke Matsushita once said that a president must also take on the task of serving tea. Of course, he didn't mean the president should literally serve tea themselves, but rather that a competent president should take this mindset for granted. In Matsushita's philosophy, a president is not high above others, but is the person standing behind the employees pushing them forward. Once a president adopts this gentle attitude, seeing diligent employees will naturally lead to a grateful: "You've worked so hard, please have a cup of tea." While the president doesn't necessarily have to pour it, expressing this sincerity can invigorate weary subordinates and increase efficiency.

【The Art of Criticism】

To change someone without hurting their feelings or causing resentment, the clever approach is to: "Indirectly draw attention to their mistakes." Before a certain speech, Lyman Abbott rewrote his sermon repeatedly and read it to his wife. In truth, the sermon was quite dull and likely wouldn't interest any audience. Our clever Mrs. Abbott put it this way—

【Retreat to Advance: Waiting for the Right Moment】

Success requires waiting for the optimal time. Just like in military operations, the greatest taboo is impetuous advancement. Failing to analyze specific situations and simply wanting to eliminate the opponent quickly makes it easier for the opponent to seize weaknesses and counterattack. Before the Battle of Guandu, Cao Cao invited Liu Bei to discuss heroes over plum wine to test if Liu Bei had ambitions for the throne. Fortunately, Liu Bei knew how to keep a low profile, successfully escaping Cao Cao's suspicion and eventually building a great legacy. At the end of the Three Kingdoms period, Sima Yi held great power, attracting jealousy and suspicion. For long-term gain, he endured and hid his strength, feigning madness to prepare for a grand restoration.

Book Features:

The book analyzes the path to success through 36 dimensions. Covering self-cultivation, workplace relationships, and interpersonal interactions, the themes are rich, diverse, and engaging. Through the author's smooth and concise writing, success no longer seems out of reach but is something everyone can implement and achieve easily in daily life.