POWER

Make Other People Come To You - Use Bait, If Necessary

How many times has this scenario played itself out in history. An aggressive leader initiates a series of bold moves, which begin by bringing him much power. Slowly, however, his power reaches a peak, and soon everything turns against him. His numerous enemies band together; trying to maintain his power, he exhausts himself going in this direction and that, until inevitably he collapses. The reason for this pattern is that the agessive person is rarely in full control. He can not see more than a few moves ahead, can not see the consequences of this bold move, or that one. Because he is constantly being forced to react to the moves of his ever growing host of enemies and the unforeseen consequences of his own rash actions, his aggressive energy is turned against him.

In the realm of power, you must ask yourself, What is the point of chasing here and there, trying to solve problems and defeat my enemies, if I never feel in control? Why am I always reacting to events, instead of directing them? The answer is simple. Your idea of power is wrong. You have mistaken aggressive action for effective action. And most often the most effective action is to stay back, keep calm, and let others be frustrated by the traps you lay for them, playing for longterm power, rather than quick victory.

Remember: The essence of power is the ability to keep the initiative, to get others to react to your moves, to keep your opponent and those around you on the defensive. When you make other people come to you, you become the one controlling the situation. The one, who controls, has the power. Two things must happen to place you in this position: You must learn to master your emotions, and never be influenced by anger; meanwhile you must play on people's natural tendency to react angrily, when pushed and baited. In the long run, the ability to make others come to you is a weapon far more powerful than any tool of aggression.

One added benefit of making the opponent come to you is that it forces him to operate in your territory. Being on hostile ground will make him nervous and often he will rush his actions and make mistakes. For negotiations or meetings, it is always wise to lure others into your territory, or the territory of your choice. You have your bearings, while they see nothing familiar and are subtly placed on the defensive.

Manipulation is a dangerous game. When someone suspects he is being manipulated, it becomes harder and harder to control him. When you make your opponent come to you, you create the illusion that he is the one controlling the situation.

The great nineteenth century robber baron, Daniel Drew, was a master at playing the stock market. When he wanted a particular stock to be bought or sold, driving prices up or down, he rarely resorted to the direct approach. One of his tricks was to hurry through an exclusive club near Wall Street, obviously on the way to the stock exchange, and to pull out his customary red bandanna to wipe his perspiring brow. A slip of paper would fall from the bandanna that he would pretend not to notice. The club's members were always trying to foresee Drew's moves and they would ounce upon the paper, which seemed to contain an inside tip on a stock. Word would spread and members would buy or sell in droves, playing perfectly into Drew's hands.

Everything depends on the sweetness of your bait. If your trap is attractive enough, the turbulence of your enemies' emotions and desires will blind them to reality. The greedier they become, the more they can be led around.

Any questions??