What, according to the writer, is the difference between an aggressive action and effective action?
Directions: Answer the given question based on the following passage:
An aggressive leader initiates a series of moves that 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 inevitably he collapses. The reason for this pattern is that the aggressive person is rarely in full control. He cannot see more than a couple of moves ahead, cannot see the consequences of this bold move or of that move. Because he is constantly being forced to react to the moves of his ever growing host of enemies and to the unforeseen consequences of his own rash actions, his aggressive energy is turned against him.
In the realm of power, it is important to ask—what is the point of chasing here and there, trying to solve problems and defeat enemies when not in control of things? The answer is simple: the idea of power is wrong. Aggressive action is mistaken for effective action. And most often the most effective action is to stay back, keep calm, and let others be frustrated by the traps laid for them, playing for long-term power rather than quick victory.
It needs to be remembered that the essence of power is the ability to keep the initiative, to get others to react to our moves, to keep the opponent and those lurking around on the defensive. When we make other people to come to us, we suddenly become the ones controlling the situation. And the one who has the control has the power. Two things must happen to place a person in this position: We must ourselves learn to master our emotions, and never allow ourselves to be influenced by anger; meanwhile, however, we must keep playing on people’s natural tendency to react angrily when pushed and baited. In the long run, the ability to make other come to us is a weapon far more powerful than any tool of aggression.
This is a delicate trick and can be performed only by those who have mastered the art. All of us have only so much energy, and there are moments when our energies are at their peak. When we make other person come to us, he wears himself out, wasting his energy on the trip. Another advantage that lies with the person to whom the other person comes is that he operates in an unknown territory. Being on hostile ground makes him nervous and often he rushes his actions and makes mistakes. For negotiations or meetings, it is always wise to lure others into our territory, or in the territory of our choice. We have our bearings, while they see nothing familiar and are subtly placed on the defensive.
Manipulation is a dangerous game. Once someone suspects he is being manipulated, it becomes harder and harder to control him. But when we make our opponents to come to us, we create an illusion that he is controlling the situation. He does not feel the strings that pull him. Everything depends on the sweetness of the bait. If the trap is attractive enough, the turbulence of the opponents’ emotions and desires will blind them to reality. The greedier they become, the more they can be led around. If we can make other people dig their own graves, why should we sweat ourselves?
When other people are made to come to us, it is sometimes better to let them know that we have forced their hand. It is better to give up deception for overt manipulation. The psychological ramifications are profound. The person who makes others come to him appears powerful, demands respect, and often gets it. If on one occasion a person has made it a point of dignity that others must come to him and he has succeeded, they will continue to do so even after that person has stopped trying.