This morning, I’ve been reading “How to Know a Person” by David Brooks. As someone passionate about enhancing my relational skills, I’m always eager to dive into books that help me communicate and love more effectively. Today, a passage in the chapter on hard conversations (page 115) particularly resonated with me:
“Remember that the person who is lower in any power structure than you are has a greater awareness of the situation than you do. A servant knows more about his master than the master knows about the servant. Someone who is being sat on knows a lot about the sitter, the way he shifts his weight and moves, whereas the sitter may not be aware that the sat-on person is even there.”
This passage struck a chord because it highlights the principle that not all relationships are equal—different weights and experiences shape the same relationship. As a leader, whether in business or at home, it’s crucial to be sensitive to this power balance. We must recognize that our words, choices, actions, and behaviors impact those we lead more acutely than their actions impact us.
Understanding and acknowledging this dynamic is essential in building effective and compassionate relationships. It’s a reminder to always be mindful of the power we hold and to use it with empathy and consideration.
