Chapter 04
The Art of Social Leverage
Just then another visitor entered the drawing room: Prince Andrew Bolkónski, the little princess’ husband. He was a very handsome young man, of medium height, with firm, clearcut features. Everything about him, from his weary, bored expression to his quiet, measured step, offered a most striking contrast to his quiet, little wife. It was evident that he not only knew everyone in the drawing room, but had found them to be so tiresome that it wearied him to look at or listen to them. And among all these faces that he found so tedious, none seemed to bore him so…
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Critical Thinking Exercise
Map Your Social Capital
Think about your own influence and resources: at work, in your family, or community. Make two lists: favors people ask of you, and favors you might need to ask others. Consider what happens when these lists get out of balance, and how you decide when to say yes or no to requests.
Consider:
- •What requests drain your energy or resources the most?
- •Who in your life respects your boundaries versus who keeps pushing?
- •How do you tell the difference between someone genuinely in need and someone working an angle?
Journaling Prompt
Write about a time when someone used emotional pressure to get something from you. How did you handle it, and what would you do differently now?
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