Robert Greene built his career writing about power and was able to capture truisms that can help people more effectively manage relationships with those who hold greater influence. His first rule: “Never outshine the master.”
Greene advocates making those above you “comfortably superior.” He writes: “There can only be one sun in the sky at a time, and if you are a smaller star shining brighter than another larger star, it will surely consume you without you even realizing it.”
Almost everyone has a boss. Even those at the top of the hierarchy ultimately report to a board, shareholders, the electorate, or some other entity. It is wise to see it as your job to make those above you look good.
Rather than boast about your accomplishments or claim success as just your own, look for ways to let others shine. Share the credit. Provide your boss with talking points that will make them look good for their boss. Equip them with information to help them be prepared for meetings.
It may feel good in the moment to bask in the glory, but in the long term, your future is more secure if those above you see you as a servant rather than a threat.
