Leverage Tool:
Never Outshine The Master
Used for
- Avoid powerful opposition from your superior
- Not getting into trouble
- Making your superior look good
Strength
2
/ 5
Versatility
2
/ 5
Difficulty
1
/ 5
What?
Make your master appear more brilliant than they are
Why?
To avoid creating powerful enemies and possibly gain support from above
How?
Let your master get the glory. Gift your best work to your superior
“When you put yourself in front of the world and show off your talents, you naturally provoke all kinds of resentment.”
Robert Greene
–
Bestselling author of The 48 Laws of Power
What it is?
The tool advises against making your superiors feel insecure or threatened by your abilities, intelligence, or achievements. It suggests that you should subtly let your master appear more capable or brilliant than you, even if it means downplaying your own accomplishments.
Why use it?
This law is crucial for maintaining your position and avoiding the envy or fear of those in power above you. By not outshining your master, you prevent them from feeling overshadowed or threatened, which could lead to them undermining your career or worse, seeing you as a rival to be eliminated. It helps in securing favor, trust, and protection from those in authority.
How to use it?
- Subtlety is key: Make your contributions noticeable but never in a way that they eclipse your master's role. For example, give credit to your master for ideas or successes that you might have significantly influenced.
- Timing: Choose when to shine; do so when your master benefits directly or when you can do so under their auspices.
- Appearance of Dependence: Act as if you're still learning and in need of guidance, even if you're highly competent. This keeps the master in a position of feeling needed and superior, thus securing your place by their side.