About this quote

Power shows up in who gets to say who belongs and who doesn't. You can feel it in the clipped tone and the tight jaw, a quick move to reclaim control. If you were the one stepping into someone else's space, own that and give a clear reason for being there. If you're the one enforcing the boundary, state the rule plainly and back it up with action.

When to use it

• At a project kickoff when an outside consultant starts issuing directives to my team, I dryly say, "I don't remember the Clave inviting you into the Glass City, Magnus Bane," and then ask them to explain their authority.
• During a group presentation when a classmate takes credit for work they didn't do, I whisper, "I don't remember the Clave inviting you into the Glass City, Magnus Bane," and then show the draft history.
• At a family meeting when an aunt starts reorganizing my finances without asking, I tell her, "I don't remember the Clave inviting you into the Glass City, Magnus Bane," and set a firm boundary.
• On a pickup soccer game when a stranger tries to sub in and start calling plays, I shout, "I don't remember the Clave inviting you into the Glass City, Magnus Bane," and keep the original lineup.