When you’re in charge your whisper may feel like a shout. (2015)

“When in power, we need to be more conscious of how direct communication, silence and ambiguity can affect others.

Adam Galinsky, Professor of Business, Columbia Business School
‘Preoccupations’, New York Times 15 Aug 2015
Illustration: Mark Shaver

“….I had started to study the psychological effects of power. …. how the words of those with power loom large over those with less power. This is a phenomenon I call the power amplification effect.

“The problem is that the powerful are often oblivious to their impact. Holding power, as my research shows, reduces one’s capacity to appreciate how one’s words and gestures may affect others.

“… three types of communications become amplified by power: direct communication, silence and ambiguity.

“…These amplifications can be managed with a little perspective taking. When in power, we need to be more conscious of how direct communication, silence and ambiguity can affect others.”

Access the full article here: When you’re in charge your whisper may feel like a shout.