Work and power

Leadership strategy and ethical influence

Planning becomes a different matter when material facts or consent are compromised.

Educational perspective

Name the legitimate purpose

Strategy can involve preparing, negotiating priorities, and anticipating consequences. None of those activities alone establishes Machiavellianism. Identify the goal and the responsibilities that constrain how it may be pursued.

Examine the means

Are relevant risks disclosed? Can people raise concerns? Are commitments represented accurately? Does the plan depend on someone misunderstanding a material fact? These are more useful questions than whether a leader is “three moves ahead.”

Check power and incentives

A request from a person who controls pay, opportunity, or evaluation carries different stakes from the same request among equals. Avoid treating reluctant agreement as proof of freely shared aims.

Choose a review mechanism

For consequential decisions, seek a relevant independent check, define who bears the downside, and record important approvals through appropriate channels. Transparent accountability should be part of the plan.