Playing the Long Game
The perfect courtier understands that success is not about winning every battle but about positioning oneself for the future. Sunil, in his career, learned that not every opportunity needed to be seized immediately.
At one point, Sunil was offered a role that seemed like a promotion but would have placed him in a precarious position — working under a manager who had a reputation for being difficult. Many of his peers told him to take the role for the prestige, but Sunil thought of the long game. He politely declined, choosing instead to invest in his current team and mentor.
A year later, that difficult manager left the company, and Sunil was offered an even better role with a clear path to leadership. Sunil had seen the bigger picture, and by being patient, he was rewarded. Playing the long game is about understanding that not every move needs to be made for immediate gain. It’s about knowing when to strike and when to wait.