gather intelligence
One of the most effective ways to gather intelligence is by positioning yourself as someone others trust to share their deepest thoughts. Sara was part of a competitive sports team where rivalries were common. She wanted to ensure she remained a top player but knew competition was fierce. Instead of pushing her way to the top through sheer skill, she became the team’s unofficial counselor.
Sara offered a listening ear to teammates when they felt down, always showing concern. Over time, they started confiding in her about their frustrations with the coach, their personal challenges, and even their future goals. Little did they know, Sara was learning exactly what made her teammates tick and what obstacles they faced that could keep them from excelling.
Using this knowledge, Sara subtly maneuvered herself into a better position by adjusting her own strategy based on the weaknesses she observed. The whole time, her teammates never suspected that Sara was working with a different agenda — protecting her top spot while appearing as the empathetic friend.