Preface -- Acknowledgments -- About the author -- pt. 1. Understanding influence -- 1. What is influence and why do I need it? -- 2. Rules of the game -- 3. Understanding and using your power -- 4. The power of image -- 5. Communicating effectively -- 6. Why politics? -- pt. 2. Using influence -- 7. Setting goals and making things happen -- 8. Making connections and building coalitions -- 9. Negotiating for what you want -- 10. Dealing with difficult people and situations -- pt. 3. Putting influence to work -- 11. Telling nursing's story -- 12. Managing your career -- 13. (Nursing) practice makes perfect -- 14. Preparing your successors -- 15. Leaving your legacy -- Appendix A : Ten little-known secrets for success -- Appendix B : Additional resources -- Index.