Chapter 49
In the Darkness After Battle
The wind had fallen and black clouds, merging with the powder smoke, hung low over the field of battle on the horizon. It was growing dark and the glow of two conflagrations was the more conspicuous. The cannonade was dying down, but the rattle of musketry behind and on the right sounded oftener and nearer. As soon as Túshin with his guns, continually driving round or coming upon wounded men, was out of range of fire and had descended into the dip, he was met by some of the staff, among them the staff officer and Zherkóv, who had been…
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Critical Thinking Exercise
Map Your Workplace Power Dynamics
Think about your current workplace or a recent job. Draw a simple diagram showing who has formal power (titles, authority) versus who has informal influence (respect, connections). Mark yourself on this map. Then identify who might be your 'Prince Andrew' - someone with status who could speak up for you if needed - and who might be vulnerable 'Túshins' you could defend.
Consider:
- •Power isn't just about job titles - some people have influence through relationships or expertise
- •The people who do the best work aren't always the ones who get credit or protection
- •Building alliances before you need them is crucial for navigating workplace politics
Journaling Prompt
Write about a time when you stayed silent while someone else was unfairly blamed, or when someone with power stood up for you. What did you learn about speaking up versus staying safe?
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