Law 17: Be Unpredictable: The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene
People are creatures of habit. They like to know what to expect from others. But if someone is unpredictable, it can throw them off balance and make them feel insecure.
This is why the 17th law of power is so effective. If you can be unpredictable, you will make people uneasy and unsure of what to expect from you. This will give you a psychological advantage, as people will be less likely to challenge you or try to control you.
For example, let’s say you’re always early for meetings. But one day, you show up late. People are surprised and intrigued. They start to wonder why you’re late and what you’re up to. This makes you more interesting and powerful.
Of course, you don’t want to be too unpredictable. If you’re too unpredictable, people will start to see you as unreliable or untrustworthy. So use the law strategically and sparingly. When you do use it, make sure it’s for a good reason.
Here are some tips for being unpredictable:
- Don’t always do the same thing. If you’re always early for meetings, start showing up late sometimes. If you’re always the quiet one in the group, start talking more.
- Don’t always say what people expect you to say. Keep them guessing. If someone asks you a question, don’t always give them a straight answer. Instead, give them a cryptic answer that leaves them wondering what you really mean.
- Be selective about when and how you use unpredictability. Don’t be unpredictable all the time. This will make you seem unreliable and untrustworthy. Instead, be unpredictable when it’s strategically advantageous. For example, you could be unpredictable when you’re negotiating a deal or when you’re trying to gain an advantage over a competitor.
Being unpredictable is a powerful tool that can be used to increase your power, make you more interesting, and achieve your goals. But it’s important to use it wisely and strategically. If you’re too unpredictable, you could alienate people and damage your reputation.
So there you have it. The 17th law of power: be unpredictable. Use it wisely, and you’ll be well on your way to success.
