The many involuntary departures at partnerships occur with particular frequency when times are tough. Research shows what common sense suggests is true: political struggles are more likely to occur and to be more fierce and power is used more often when resources are scarcer and therefore there is more struggle over their allocation.

Language that influences is able to create powerful images and emotions that overwhelm reason.24 Such language is evocative, specific, and filled with strong language and visual imagery.

Doris Kearns Goodwin’s Pulitzer Prize–winning biography of Abraham Lincoln emphasized Lincoln’s driving ambition as one of the most important qualities that produced his success in political life. Lincoln’s drive enabled him to overcome an impoverished background, early political setbacks, and personal slights.

people like to feel good about themselves and maintain a positive self-image. And ironically, one of the best ways for people to preserve their self-esteem is to either preemptively surrender or do other things that put obstacles in their own

Third, people often promote those with energy because of the importance of being able to work hard and also because expending great energy signals a high degree of organizational commitment and, presumably, loyalty.

A resource is anything people want or need—money, a job, information, social support and friendship, help in doing their job. There are always opportunities to provide these things to others whose support you want.

Use a list of three items, or enumerations in general.

A third aspect to focus is to concentrate on those activities within your particular job or position that are the most critical—that have the most impact on getting work done and on others’ perceptions of you and your effectiveness.

One is specialization in a particular industry or company, providing depth of understanding and a more substantial web of focused relationships.