Never Outshine the Master

The first law in the book 48 Laws of Power, is the first thing we have to do before acting the other laws.

We should not outshine the master. Let them be the star. Make sure they feel superior and brilliant. Don’t make them feel threatened by your competence.

Use strategic humility. Ask for advice even if you already know the answer. Make harmless mistakes, because if you’re perfect, you’re a threat to them. Downplay your brilliance, make sure you look like learning from them.

The goal is to make them want to promote you rather than making them feel threatened by your competence.

Let them be the star. Wait patiently. If they’re the “fading star” we can hasten the process.