Along the bottom axis, we have Power Gradient. Power Gradient is a social and personal phenomenon that can be thought of as “How more important does my boss feel than me? How much more authority do they have?”, and likewise, “How much more important do I seem than the people below me?”

Signs of a steep Power Gradient are things like physical separation, private offices, executive dining rooms, executive washrooms, parking spots, that kind of thing.

So, the rule is: Information Flow is inversely proportional to Power Gradient.

At a steep Power Gradient, those executives who wall themselves off are not getting a lot of information from the organization. At a shallow Power Gradient, the executive who sits out in the open space is getting a lot more.

So, when someone comes into your office and you’re sitting behind your desk, and you get up and walk around and sit next to them, so you’re both equal, you’re leveling the Power Gradient. It’s going to make it easier for them to share their information.

I’m David Marquet, and that’s your Leadership Nudge.