— To follow is a bullet of wisdom on leadership. It comes from Tom’s rifle, named Shot, who has seen it all. You’ll get the drift by clicking Blog in the menu above. —
NO! SWIFT COMBAT IS FOLLY. Rudy would tell you to read it for yourself: “It is to a man’s honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel” (Proverbs 20: 3). He was a measured man: He took his time to size things up, all the while looking to give the other party a break, while not harming himself. He’d reach his objectives and retain a relationship. Oh yeah, I saw Rudy dodge many a barb that would snag someone less wise.
To pause is to pursue better alternatives. Anyone can react; it’s natural. But only those with wisdom, as marks leaders, can check their immediate responses, avoid clashes, and pursue the big objective. “Big”? Yes, what you truly need or desire—eyes on the prize. Wisdom finds a way without getting sucked into wanton battles. Quarrels spark raging, consuming fires.