The Time I Outshined The Master

Thank you for subscribing to the Power Game Letter.

My name is Abdou Sayed. I’ve made many mistakes while trying to wield power, but I’ve learned, adapted, and corrected most of them, achieving remarkable results along the way.

Now, I decided to share my secrets so young people don't repeat the same mistakes.

On your way to wielding power, you will be the strategist and I will be your shadow advisor arming you with simple but effective frameworks. Through these frameworks, I will help you avoid deadly mistakes on your path to power.

Why frameworks?

Simply because Laws can create dependency–you may find yourself reaching for a specific rule in every situation.

Frameworks empower you to internalize the mechanics behind influence and negotiation, enabling you to craft your own strategies rather than relying on pre-existing ones.

Most books on power overload you with countless laws and strategies, leaving you lost in the details. But today, you’ll come away with something far simpler and infinitely more effective: a framework I call SIT.

What Is SIT?

Suppression | Information | Time

This framework—Suppression, Information, Time—works like magic. It’s a universal tool you can apply to any of the laws from The 48 Laws of Power and beyond. Every letter you’ll receive will build on this foundation, showing you how SIT transforms abstract rules into actions you can use effortlessly in real life.

Ready to see SIT in action? Let’s dive into one of the most pivotal laws:

Law 1: Never Outshine the Master

Story:

Once, as a new hire at a company, I spotted an opportunity to improve operations—a system that would automatically check product quality and alert engineers to address issues quickly. Excited, I shared the idea with the CTO.

The CTO was enthusiastic, even arranging a demo with the CEO. Both seemed impressed, and I felt like I was making a meaningful contribution. But what I didn’t notice was the subtle shift in the CTO’s demeanor. My initiative had crossed a line, triggering a silent alarm.

Unbeknownst to me, the CTO immediately assembled a team of engineers to work on a similar system. While they kept me in the dark, I poured my time and energy into building my version, convinced I was on the brink of helping the company succeed.

Weeks later, when I proudly presented my completed system, I was blindsided. The company had already implemented the CTO’s system, rendering mine irrelevant. In that moment, I felt betrayed, foolish, and utterly deflated. My enthusiasm evaporated, and my motivation took a dangerous fall.

This painful experience taught me a valuable lesson: ambition must be tempered with strategy. Sometimes, suppressing the urge to shine is the wisest move you can make.

How the SIT helps:

Ambition burns brightest in youth. You want recognition, rewards, and the chance to prove your worth. But this eagerness often leads to a fatal mistake—overshadowing those above you.

Here’s where the first element of SIT comes into play: Suppression. Suppress the urge to shine too brightly, especially at the start of your career. Suppression isn’t about hiding your talent; it’s about channeling it strategically.

(Simply, I should have made the CTO shine along with me and suppressed a bit my ego.)

While you suppress, you’re gathering Information, the second element of the framework. Observe. Learn. Absorb the nuances of power dynamics, the strengths and weaknesses of those around you. Mastery begins here.

(Simply, I should have known and observed that the CTO is insecure–Yes this is information)

Finally, trust in Time, the third element of the framework. As you hone your craft and accumulate insights, the moment will come when your brilliance cannot be ignored. Time isn’t an enemy—it’s an ally, ensuring your rise is steady, deliberate, and unstoppable.

(Simply, if I took my time observing, the CTO was bound to show his weaknesses)

Why SIT Works

• Suppression protects you from premature mistakes.

• Information equips you with the tools to navigate power.

• Time ensures your success is lasting, not fleeting.

Time is your friend. Information is your edge. Suppression is your weapon.

In the letters to come, we’ll explore the SIT framework applied to different laws and situations, helping you master influence in ways you never thought possible.

This is just the beginning. Your rise starts now.

Don’t get deterred by the simplicity of the framework—it’s precisely why it works.

If you like this letter, share it with a friend.

Have questions? Reply to this letter, and I’ll be happy to help.