Speak Softly and Carry a Big Stick

Many of us have heard Teddy Roosevelt's line "speak softly and carry a big stick." Those who are fortunate enough to have obtained some supervisory responsibility know that they carry a big stick, like it or not. No matter how kind or humble a leader is, there's something about authority that puts people on edge, however slightly it may be. Roosevelt was speaking of the United States, emerging for the first time as a world power less than 40 years after nearly tearing in two via the Civil War. To me "speaking softly" means not to get into a shouting contest during conflict... it's picking an unfair fight because we have an unfair natural advantage. Speaking softly suggests humility, and maybe a greater willingness to listen. I think the humble use of power, in the long run, bests an outspoken approach 9 times out of 10.