The 10 Laws of Sycophancy in Indian Politics and Bureaucracy
A Semi-Serious Guide to Power Dynamics with a Hint of Truth. Three Bonus Articles, as Footnotes
In Defence, if not Praise, of Sycophancy
Robert Greene’s 48 Laws of Power, first published in 1998, is a masterful guide to navigating the ruthless corridors of authority and influence, offering strategies that are as effective as they are cunning. Since then, the book has been translated into over 24 languages and has sold millions of copies worldwide, cementing its place as a global classic on power dynamics. However, when applied to the unique landscape of Indian politics and bureaucracy, these laws often undergo a peculiar transformation. Here, power is not just wielded but curated through an elaborate dance of deference, manipulation, and sycophancy.
In this world, loyalty matters more than competence, and perception trumps performance. While Greene teaches the art of dominating power, the Indian system teaches the art of surviving it—by perfecting the craft of pleasing those who hold the reins. Thus emerges the unwritten Laws of Sycophancy, an ironic yet indispensable companion to the original, designed for those who know that in India, sometimes the shortest route to the top is through a well-timed compliment or a masterfully executed nod of agreement.
1. The Law of Visible Loyalty: Always Be Seen, Never Be Heard
In Indian politics and bureaucracy, visibility is everything. Be present at every meeting, every function, and every photo-op. Your silence is more valuable than your speech; nodding in agreement is your currency. Too many words risk exposing dissent.
2. The Law of Echoes: Repeat the Boss’s Words as Your Own
Originality is overrated. Mirror your superior’s statements with slight embellishments to signal agreement. If they say the sun rises in the west, you should exclaim, “Yes, and it does so majestically under your leadership!”
3. The Law of Preemptive Praise: Compliment First, Contribute Later
Always begin conversations with compliments about your boss’s intelligence, vision, or attire. This sets the tone for any discussion, even if you have something valuable to say (which is optional).
4. The Law of Selective Memory: Forget Their Failures, Recall Their Feats
Your memory should be a finely tuned sieve: it retains only the boss’s successes and discards all recollections of their mistakes. Rewriting history is often necessary to survive the present.
5. The Law of Over-Loyalty: Serve the Individual, Not the Institution
Your allegiance should always be personal. Institutions are abstract, but your superior’s ambitions are real. If they want to break a rule, your job is to frame the rule in a way that fits their agenda.
6. The Law of Strategic Humility: Pretend Ignorance to Highlight Their Brilliance
Feign cluelessness in situations where the boss can shine. “I never would’ve thought of that, sir!” is a surefire way to make them feel indispensable. You, in turn, will become indispensable to their ego.
7. The Law of Eternal Gratitude: Act Like Every Opportunity Is a Divine Gift
Even if you’ve slogged for years, treat every promotion or recognition as if it came directly from the boss’s benevolence. “I owe it all to you” is more than a line; it’s a survival mantra.
8. The Law of Risk Aversion: Never, Ever Outshine the Boss
Ambition is good, but only if it aligns with your superior’s goals. Outshining your boss in Indian politics or bureaucracy is the equivalent of career suicide. Let them bask in the spotlight while you hold the torch.
9. The Law of Omnipresent Loyalty: Remain Loyal Across Administrations
True sycophants know how to adapt. When the government changes or the boss is replaced, seamlessly transfer your allegiance to the new power holder. A well-timed compliment can erase years of past loyalties.
10. The Law of Inconspicuous Opportunism: Benefit Without Taking Credit
Being a sycophant doesn’t mean you don’t gain anything. Take every opportunity to grow—just don’t flaunt it. Public acknowledgment can make you a target; quiet progress makes you indispensable.
End of the Beginning
In the final analysis, the Laws of Sycophancy are less about mastering power than about surviving its unpredictable ebbs and flows in a system where individual egos often overshadow institutional objectives. While Robert Greene’s seminal 48 Laws of Power empowers readers to seize control and wield influence strategically, its Indian counterpart serves as a reminder of the peculiar realities of our political and bureaucratic ecosystems. Here, power is not always about bold maneuvers or calculated risks; it is just as often about avoiding pitfalls, reading the room, and mastering the art of strategic submission.
Sycophancy, for all its apparent indignities, can be a survival mechanism in a game where perception often outweighs merit. Greene might teach us how to rule kingdoms, whether corporate or statal, but in India, the true art lies in navigating courtrooms of power, where the quiet nod, the subtle flattery, and the well-timed retreat can secure positions that open doors for genuine change—or at least a steady rise up the ladder.
