"When years of engagement can be erased in 24 hours because someone points out an uncomfortable power dynamic, there was never really intellectual engagement - just conditional tolerance that evaporated when ideas became inconvenient."
#BurningTree, 2025
https://gist.github.com/burningtree/d4aa172470293bdf2939c993cf48bbd4
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Bad Boss? When power dynamics are involved, clear boundaries are critical. Coercion is not only personal; it is a Systemic Failure that violates the Principle of Professional Equity. We move from Corrupted Code (Force) to Clean Code (Power).
Scenario: A junior team member ends a secret relationship with their senior manager. The manager replies:
❌ Corrupted Code (Force):
"If you end this, it will make things awkward in the team, and I can't guarantee your next review will be positive. We should keep this quiet." (Coercive; uses professional power to threaten and manipulate.)
✅ Clean Code (Power):
"I respect your decision completely. I will be transparent with HR about my boundary failure, and your job security is not threatened. We proceed professionally." (Restores integrity; affirms the junior's agency and safety.)
The difference? The second message prioritizes integrity over personal gain. What boundary can you clearly state today?
#SystemsLeadership #WorkplaceIntegrity #PowerDynamics #CleanCode
Hot for teacher? Academic settings are not exempt from power abuse. Coercion violates the Principle of Trust and corrupts the integrity of mentorship. We move from Corrupted Code (Force) to Clean Code (Power).
Scenario: A student approaches a professor for help on a critical assignment. The professor replies:
❌ Corrupted Code (Force):
"I can help, but it will require a lot of late-night one-on-one time outside the office. Maybe we discuss it over dinner tonight?" (Leverages academic need to blur boundaries.)
✅ Clean Code (Power):
"That's a critical topic. I can give you an extra 30 minutes during my office hours tomorrow, or connect you with the senior TA for immediate help." (Affirms professional boundary; prioritizes resource access.)
The difference? The second message preserves the trust essential for education. What boundary can you clearly state today?
#SystemsLeadership #AcademicIntegrity #PowerDynamics #CleanCode
Bad Boss? When power dynamics are involved, clear boundaries are critical. Coercion is not only personal; it is a Systemic Failure that violates the Principle of Professional Equity. We move from Corrupted Code (Force) to Clean Code (Power).
Scenario: A junior team member ends a secret relationship with their senior manager. The manager replies:
❌ Corrupted Code (Force):
"If you end this, it will make things awkward in the team, and I can't guarantee your next review will be positive. We should keep this quiet." (Coercive; uses professional power to threaten and manipulate.)
✅ Clean Code (Power):
"I respect your decision completely. I will be transparent with HR about my boundary failure, and your job security is not threatened. We proceed professionally." (Restores integrity; affirms the junior's agency and safety.)
The difference? The second message prioritizes integrity over personal gain. What boundary can you clearly state today?
#SystemsLeadership #WorkplaceIntegrity #PowerDynamics #CleanCode
