Project definition
Goal: Gain and Control
When you cannot keep both the practical benefit and the final say, which matters more?
Project definition
The Goal axis describes relative priorities in relevant situations. Gain means benefits that can be owned, exchanged, or used. Control concerns who has the final say, who follows whom, and whether authority and standing are recognized. Ordinary protection of one's interests or fulfillment of management responsibilities is not treated as evidence of a shadow pattern.
What to observe
Look beyond the apparent object. Control can serve gain, and gain can serve control. A more useful question is: when they conflict, which is the person willing to give up?
Limits
This is an axis of action style, not a hierarchy of values. It does not establish the degree of harmfulness.