Law 1: Never Outshine The Master

This article highlights vital insights of Law 1: Never Outshine the Master from the book 48 Laws of Power. Find out what makes this law crucial to your success when dealing with people above you. Below is the synopsis of this law:

Always Make Those Above You Feel Comfortably Superior. In Your Desire To Please And Impress Them, Do Not Go Too Far In Displaying Your Talents, Or You Might Accomplish The Opposite-inspire Fear And Insecurity. Make Your Masters Appear More Brilliant Than They Are, And You Will Attain The Heights Of Power.

What Does It Mean To Never Outshine The Master?

It means you must not put yourself above your superiors. It is a dangerous but common mistake to think that the master will like you more if you show off your skills and talents. He may act grateful at first, but he’ll soon find a way to get rid of you in favor of someone less capable—and less of a threat.

And just like the universe, there are many stars in the sky, but there’s only one sun. Never block the sun or try to make something as bright as the sun. Don’t compete with the master star; instead, blend into the background and figure out how to make him even brighter.

By letting others outshine you, you stay in control. If they feel intimidated by your talents, they might act up. You will be most valuable in your organization if you focus on making your master look as good as possible.

Why Should You Not Outshine The Master?

Insecurities are a part of human nature. When you show the world who you are and what you can do, you immediately stir up bitterness, jealousy, and other feelings of insecurity. You can’t spend your whole life worrying about what other people think.

However, dealing with people above you requires a specific strategy. When it comes to power, trying to overshadow the master is arguably the worst possible misstep you can make. All masters want to be seen as more intelligent and clever than others.

This law involves two rules you should be cautious of:

• You can just be yourself and outshine a master. Some superiors are more insecure than others, and you may find that your natural charm and grace overtake them.
• Never take your master’s love for granted. You can lose favor quickly if you use that to your advantage. History is filled with stories about people who lost their status due to abusing it and daring to outshine the master. Never think there is no danger in being the favorite. Never take your status for granted, and never let any favors you receive make you think too highly of yourself.

How To Not Outshine The Master

Knowing why you must never outshine the master, you can twist this Law to your advantage.

• Use Flattery. It would help if you did more than go out of your way to compliment your master. Though direct flattery can be effective in the short term, it can wear off quickly and make people distrustful of what you say. Discreet flattery is much more powerful, so use this instead.
• Look less intelligent. If you are wiser than your master, pretend you need his expertise. For example, make harmless mistakes that will not hurt you in the long run but will allow him to appear more intelligent than yourself. Masters like it when people under them ask for help. If a master can’t share what he’s learned, he might be angry and mean to you instead.
• Give your master credit for all your great work. Even if your ideas or strategies are more innovative than those of your master, always credit him in a way that is as public as possible. Clearly state that you are only restating his ideas.
• Make your master the center of attention all the time. If you are more intelligent than your master, you can be the court jester. Don’t make him look cold and serious by comparison. If you need to, dial down your sense of humor and figure out how to make him look like the one who is constantly dishing out laughs and good vibes. He must be the sun around which everyone revolves. It would be best if you acted as a mere satellite around him, reflecting his brilliant light onto the masses.
• Disguise your strength. Any attempt to make your master feel good about you by being very gracious and giving can be disastrous. To hide one’s strengths if they lead to ultimate success is not a sign of weakness.

Never Outshine The Master Example

Let me give you some practical examples of using this law to your advantage:

Don’t Disrespect Your Boss’s Ideas: If you come up with an idea that you think is better than your boss, it’s always a good idea to present it as an improvement or another option. Keep in mind that it’s not a contest.

Avoid Overshadowing Your Boss in Meetings: If you see something wrong with your boss’s project plan during a meeting, it’s probably not the best idea to call them out in front of everyone. Instead, wait until you can talk to them one-on-one later. That way, you can bring up your concerns without making them look bad in front of the team.

Remember the Hierarchy: At work it’s essential to tread carefully when communicating with senior management. Make sure to keep your immediate boss informed and comfortable with your interactions. Remember to always respect the chain of command.

Give Respect to Your Teacher: Your teacher’s explanation seems off? Instead of arguing in the middle of class, ask insightful questions or discuss your thoughts privately afterward.

Show respect to the Older Generation: When chatting with older folks, give them the respect they deserve and listen to what they say, even if some of their ideas seem old-fashioned. And if you want to share your own opinions, make sure to do so calmly and without causing a stir.

Credit the Coach: It is crucial to demonstrate humility and teamwork when showcasing your abilities. Instead of solely taking credit for a successful move, it is wise to acknowledge the guidance and support of your coach. This shows gratitude and highlights the importance of collaboration and a team-oriented mindset in achieving success.

When CAN You Outshine The Master?

Every law has a reversal or exception. There’s no need to be afraid of overshadowing your master if he is on a decline. Do not show mercy; your master did not have such reservations in his ruthless rise to the top.

Assess how powerful he is. If he is vulnerable, you can quietly accelerate his downfall by outdoing, outcharming, and outsmarting him at critical moments.

If he is weak and on the verge of collapsing, let the natural process take its course. Do not try to outshine a weak superior, as this could come out as nasty or malicious.

In contrast, it is best to wait it out if your master’s status is still secure, even if you are confident in your abilities. Power always declines and weakens in the long run; it’s how things work out. If you play your cards well, you’ll surpass and ultimately eclipse your master when he falls.

Further Reading on Laws of Power

If you find this article insightful and interesting, you can also read the following summaries and analysis of other laws like: Don’t put too much trust on your friends (Law 2) and why you should say less than neccessary (Law 4).