"To maintain your independence you must always be needed and wanted. The more you are relied on, the more freedom you have." — Robert Greene
Are you easy to replace?
If you walked out of your job today, would your company collapse? Or would they just hire someone else by Monday?
If they can replace you, you have no power.
In Part 11 of The 48 Laws of Power series, we discuss Law #11: Learn to Keep People Dependent on You. This is the ultimate form of job security. Don't be "loved"; be "needed."
1. The Man Who Made the King Need Him
Otto von Bismarck was the Prime Minister of Prussia. He served a King who was weak and indecisive.
Bismarck didn't try to be the King's friend. He didn't try to be popular.
Instead, he created a situation where he was the only one who could solve the King's problems.
The Strategy
Bismarck entangled himself in every military and diplomatic affair.
Whenever the King tried to fire him, Bismarck would say: "Fine, I resign. But who will deal with the Austrians? Who will manage the army?"
The King, terrified of handling the mess alone, would beg Bismarck to stay.
The Lesson: Bismarck had total power not because he was the King, but because the King was Dependent on him.
2. Keep the Key to the Vault
A common mistake smart people make is teaching their boss or assistant everything they know.
You think: "I am being helpful."
The Boss thinks: "Great, now I know how to do it. I don't need to pay this expensive guy anymore."
The Rule: Always keep a "Secret Sauce."
• If you are a developer, write a complex core code that only you understand.
• If you are a salesperson, keep the personal relationship with the biggest client to yourself.
Give them the "Result," not the "Recipe." If they have the recipe, they don't need the cook.
3. The Ultimate Insurance Policy
King Louis XI of France was famous for killing his advisors when he got bored of them.
His Astrologer knew he was next. So he told the King a prophecy:
"Your Majesty, the stars say that I will die exactly three days before you die."
The Result: The King became terrified. Instead of killing the Astrologer, he appointed doctors to protect him! He made sure the Astrologer lived a long, healthy life because his own life depended on it.
Lesson: Link your fate to your master's fate. Make it so that if you fall, they fall.
4. Real-Life Examples (Indian Context)
The "Munim Ji" (Traditional Accountant)
In old Indian business families, the "Munim" (Head Accountant) was never fired. Why?
Because he kept the accounts in a special red book, often in a code or language only he understood. He knew where the black money was. He knew the family secrets.
The business owner had to keep him happy. The Munim had created Total Dependence.
Vendor Lock-in (Software Companies)
Why do companies stick with Oracle or SAP even if they hate the software?
Because migrating data to a new system is too painful and risky.
These tech giants create Dependence. They make it easy to enter but impossible to leave. If you want to build a billion-dollar company, build a product that customers cannot quit.
5. Become Indispensable
In the age of AI, average work is easily replaced.
To survive, you must become a Linchpin (a term by Seth Godin).
- Emotional Labor: AI can code, but it cannot calm down an angry client. Be the person who handles chaos.
- Unique Connection: Be the bridge between two departments that hate each other. If you leave, the bridge breaks.
- Specialized Knowledge: Know something obscure but critical to your industry.
Key Takeaways
- Independence is an Illusion: Complete independence is impossible. The next best thing is to have people depend on you.
- Don't Be Low Maintenance: If you never ask for anything and solve everything quietly, people forget you. Make them realize your value.
- Hoard Secrets: Keep some knowledge to yourself. It is your insurance policy.
- Link Your Fates: Ensure that your boss's success requires your presence.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Isn't this selfish?
A: It is Strategic. Companies are selfish; they will fire you the moment you are useless. Law #11 is your defense mechanism against being discarded.
Q2: What if I want to delegate?
A: Delegate the manual work (Law #7), but never delegate the core "Secret Sauce" or the key relationships. You must remain the brain while others are the hands.
Q3: How do I know if they are dependent on me?
A: Take a 3-day leave. If they call you in panic because "no one else knows how to do this," you are safe. If they don't call, you are in trouble.
Up next: Part 12 – Use Selective Honesty to Disarm Your Victim (Law #12).
📚 Credit & Disclaimer:
This post is a summary based on the bestseller "The 48 Laws of Power" by Robert Greene. Content is for educational purposes only.
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