Wednesday, June 27, 2007

DO NOT RUN.

Share this ARTICLE with your colleagues on LinkedIn .




Dear Friends:

The perception of power is, to a great extent, power itself. Certain behaviors are almost instinctively associated with power, while others are associated with weakness, cowardice, or insecurity. Understanding these behaviors is extraordinarily useful -- not merely for "sizing up" a prospective acquaintance (either friend or adversary), but for projecting a certain image which may be helpful for your success, or, in the extreme case, vital to your survival. Persons who look like they are expecting to be victimized are usually a predator's first target choice. Persons who walk with confidence, purposefulness and "dangerous determination" (more on this later) are less likely to be targets of abuse...whether it is a parking lot mugging, or a verbal dressing down by a bully-boss at the office.


Leaders exude personal confidence and power by walking slowly, with determination, and occasionally making silent eye contact (for only an instant) with someone along the way. They do not wander -- they know where they are going. They do not run -- they are fearless, and the world is waiting for them, and on their terms. Worker bees and clerks are always running and rushing, in much the same fashion as a frightened person will run at the first hint of trouble.


A clever song written and performed by Sting (formerly of the Police, but now merely a civilian), An Englishman In New York, states it beautifully: "An Englishman never runs." The perception is that if a person is running, he or she is under the command or control of either another person, or the circumstances in context.


Unless you are competing in a race, do not run. Better by far to swagger, and casually look about you, than to run. When someone calls you over (e.g., summons you in a situation where you cannot comfortably get him or her to walk over to you, for example, when being introduced to a third party) walk slowly, without eagerness. Never appear as though you are reacting to a command...always appear to be in control, and at your own choice.


It is a good idea to observe and apply the above pattern. It will assist you in determining who is important, and who isn't. More importantly, it will help you to portray yourself to your best advantage.


Faithfully,


Douglas Castle


BLOG ARCHIVE

Bookmark and Share