Walk Softly and Carry a Big Stick
Application
Walk softly with kindness in your voice, body language and with your reactions.
Walk softly with an ever-present smile.
Walk softly by being supportive and listening to the other person's view.
The benefits of walking softly include "saving face" for both parties, more open communication and buying time to gather more facts for a possible defense or counter-attack.
Sometimes your big stick is incriminating information revealed by your adversary.
Knowing you have a big stick or a good "Sunday punch" puts a confidence in your voice and mannerisms that discourages others to act negatively towards you.
BUT, when you swing your big stick - strike hard and swiftly. Your first blow should be significant - the greater shock, the better. Use the strength of surprise.
Stories
Boxing is more effective than shoving
As a young policeman I didn't have to roll around in a ditch fighting for my life too many times to learn the dangers of getting into an escalating shoving match. Once the decision to arrest was made, it was necessary to immobilize the adversary before s/he gained an advantage. It's difficult to come from behind in a serious struggle.
Many times, in later years, during difficult business situations I was grateful for having this early discipline.
Please post your story by emailing it to max@unclemaxsays.com.
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Outcomes
- You can walk softly more often.
- You can display a friendly disposition toward strangers.
- Win more battles against people meaning to do you harm.
