Chapter 35
Chaos on the Bridge
Two of the enemy’s shots had already flown across the bridge, where there was a crush. Halfway across stood Prince Nesvítski, who had alighted from his horse and whose big body was jammed against the railings. He looked back laughing to the Cossack who stood a few steps behind him holding two horses by their bridles. Each time Prince Nesvítski tried to move on, soldiers and carts pushed him back again and pressed him against the railings, and all he could do was to smile. “What a fine fellow you are, friend!” said the Cossack to a convoy soldier with…
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Critical Thinking Exercise
Map Your Authority Gaps
Think of three situations where you have official authority but struggle to get results (at work, home, or in groups). For each situation, identify what type of power actually works there and what you could do differently. Then consider one area where you lack official authority but could step up and lead through personal force like Denísov did.
Consider:
- •Official titles and real influence are often completely different things
- •People respond to confidence and decisive action more than to requests and procedures
- •Sometimes the person who should be leading isn't the person who can lead effectively
Journaling Prompt
Write about a time when you had to choose between following proper channels and taking direct action to solve a problem. What did you learn about when rules help and when they get in the way?
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