I often assume people respond directly to what I say, yet I sometimes overlook that their reactions are shaped by where I speak from. Their responses hinge on my perceived position relative to them—whether that’s social, financial, relational, or in the corporate hierarchy.
If they see me as higher up, they may respond with gestures and words aimed to impress or please. When they perceive me as an equal, they might lean into competition, perhaps subtly undermining or dismissing my input. If they see me as lower, they may adopt an overtly arrogant stance. In this way, the meaning of my words is shaped by my relative position to others.
While this is a generalisation with exceptions, it often holds true. The downside is that each interaction risks feeling a bit hollow. A solution could be to clearly demonstrate my role in helping them reach their full potential, framing our interactions as collaborative steps toward our shared goals.
It sounds ideal, but it will take real, consistent effort to bring this approach to life.
