Private Insights on Influence

When Something Doesn’t Add Up

Have you ever looked at a decision and thought:

“This doesn’t make sense.”

It looks clumsy.

Unnecessary.

Even self-sabotaging.

But then something nags at you:

“What if I’m not seeing the whole picture?”

You’re not.

And that’s the point.

Because in high-stakes environments, confusion isn’t a flaw.

It’s a strategy.

Here’s how it works:

Someone creates chaos. Or moral outrage.

They make a bold move in the spotlight.

It looks awkward, rushed—even stupid.

But behind the scenes…

  • Power is restructured
  • Blame is shifted
  • Resources are redirected
  • A narrative is quietly rewritten

It’s not accidental.

It’s not emotional.

It’s manipulative by design.

And if you’re reacting with confusion or outrage…

You’re exactly where they want you.

This is how politics works in serious organisations.

And unless you learn to see the moves behind the curtain—

You’ll stay stuck reacting, not responding.

So here’s the question:

Next time it happens—will you see it?

Or get played by it?

 

 

This is an example of writing by Colin Gautrey, whose main home can now be found at Gautrey Life, or Radical Conformity on Substack.