I thought she was on my side. - Pooja

Pooja and Katherine were members of a professional organisation. Katherine led the special interest group they both belonged to.

Although Katherine held the official title, Pooja was perceived as possessing influence and informal leadership. Members of the group often deferred to her perspectives. Her ideas carried weight.

One day, Pooja fell out with another group member. The conflict was painful and messy. After much thought, Pooja approached Katherine privately.

"I need to share what happened," Pooja said, walking Katherine through the situation carefully. "I'm going to take some time out from the group to heal. I wanted you to know why."

Katherine listened, nodding with apparent understanding. "Thank you for telling me. Take the time you need."

In Pooja's absence, the group continued to meet. And Katherine began to share what Pooja had told her… selectively.

She left out context. She omitted Pooja's perspective. She shared just enough to paint an incomplete picture.

Members filled in the gaps with assumptions. "Well, if Pooja did that, then maybe..." "I always wondered about her approach..." The conclusions formed quickly, built on a shaky foundation of partial truths.

Katherine didn't correct the inaccuracies. Instead, she added her own reservations. "I've had my concerns about how Pooja handles things too."

The ground was set. By the time decisions were made about the group's direction, the perspective had solidified. And it was disadvantageous to Pooja.

When Pooja eventually returned, she walked into a room that had already made up its mind about her.