Law 1: Never Outshine the Master – A Tactical Guide for Higher Ed Leadership

Building Mindset and Reframing Ambition

🚫 Wrong Mindset: "I need to show them how valuable I am."

✅ Right Mindset: "I need to make them feel more powerful with me on their side."

• “How can I position myself as their greatest ally?”

• “How can I make them feel like they’re still in control?”

🚫 Wrong Mindset: "I should be the obvious choice for the next promotion."

✅ Right Mindset: "I will make my boss look so good that when the time is right, my rise is inevitable."

“If I make them look good, they will feel safe elevating me.”

• “I will play the long game—power moves take time.”

🚫 Wrong Mindset: "I should talk about my future leadership plans openly."

✅ Right Mindset: "I will let my results build my reputation while I work behind the scenes."
“My actions will speak louder than my words.”

• “I will gain support silently before making my move.”

🚫 Wrong Mindset: "If I compliment them too much, I’ll seem fake."

✅ Right Mindset: "Genuine praise makes them see me as an ally, not a rival."

• “Publicly, I will make them look brilliant.”

• “Privately, I will build my own influence.”

🚫 Wrong Mindset: "I should always hold back so I don’t threaten leadership."

✅ Right Mindset: "I will shine when it benefits them—and when I have enough power to stand on my own."

• “I will shine in ways that highlight their leadership, not overshadow it.”

• “When the time is right, I will step forward with the full backing of my network.”