Be the Samurai Sword

Relationships are constantly facing crisis. Everywhere we look people are in dispute with one another. Companies are in dispute with one another. Countries are even in dispute with one another.

Arguments, litigation, divorce, even war are the products of relationships in crisis.

What is the purpose of fuelling animosity? Life is so short. It's too short to waste precious time with such unproductive pursuits. Do we really need to keep conflict going? What can possibly be achieved by constantly fanning the flame of conflict? But people do it.

When one party has the strength to step back, conflict, or the escalation of it, can often be avoided.

Strength? Yes I did say strength. It takes strength and courage to take the first bold step of reconciliation and peace. Some might consider such a move as being soft or weak.

Allow me to give you an example of strength borne through softness.

The samurai sword, or katana, as it is more correctly known, is made of the strongest steel. Made hundreds of years ago in feudal Japan, many examples of these swords are still in pristine condition. They will stand up to the very best modern steel making technology of today.

The katana gets its strength from the many separate and symbiotic processes that the sword smiths of the era employed. (Re "The Craft of the Japanese Sword" - Kapp and Yoshihara - ISBN 0-87011-798-X - for more information)

One of the most important qualities is the katana's soft malleable inner core. This embedded soft steel inner core allows the weapon to absorb outer hits on its striking surface without serious damage.

There is little doubt that the katana was a fearsome weapon in its time. It still is. Yet at its heart lies the softest metal giving the weapon its greatest strength.

You can learn to be like the samurai sword. You can develop strength through softness. Be the samurai sword.

[If you like this article and would like to use it on your own website or ezine you may do so ONLY if the article is not changed in any way and the final paragraph: "About the author", with all links intact, is included.]

About the author: Gary Simpson is the author of eight books covering a diverse range of subjects such as self esteem, affirmations, self defense, finance and much more. His articles appear all over the web. Gary's email address is budo@iinet.net.au. Click here to go to his Motivation & Self Esteem for Success website where you can receive his "Zenspirational Thoughts" plus an immediate FREE copy of his highly acclaimed, life-changing e-book "The Power of Choice."

---

Are You a Leader or a Manager?

President Ike Eisenhower once demonstrated the difference between leadership and... Read More

Five Things Smart Leaders Do to Lower The Barriers To Change

Smart leaders understand that they don't "make" a change happen.... Read More

Abe Lincoln: An Extraordinary Leader

Perhaps noted as one of the greatest United States presidents... Read More

Boy Scouts of America and Leadership Coaching

The Center for Management and Organization Effectiveness talks with Dennis... Read More

Leadership In The Zone!

"You do not merely want to be considered just the... Read More

Weakness, Struggle, Fear, Knowledge, Growth, Courage, Leader

Theodore Roosevelt was one of the most remarkable men in... Read More

Your Ultimate Leadership Feedback Loop: Their Leadership

Life on our planet flourishes through feedback. If life forms... Read More

Leadership Skills Training Empowers Problem-solving and Visioning

Leadership skills training programs empower you to influence, persuade or... Read More

Communication Skills & Leadership - Organizational Communications Processes in Leadership Activity

"Sooth 't were a pleasant life to lead, With nothing... Read More

The Defining Moment: The Straw That Stirs The Drink Of Motivational Leadership (Part Two)

In Part One, I described the importance of establishing deep,... Read More

Trust - The Most Vital Component in Leadership

"Trust is the emotional glue that binds followers and... Read More

Professional Organizations: Join or Fold?

All of us join professional organizations for a reason--a friend... Read More

Heres The REAL Reason Bush Won: The Dark Night Of The Leadership Soul

George Bush won the election because he was finally able... Read More

Exceptional Leadership Inspires the Best Effort in Others

There is a steady stream being written and taught about... Read More

The Qualities of Skillful Leadership

If you want to be a leader who attracts quality... Read More

The Death of Potential

... Read More

Leadership: 9 Universal Laws

1. The Law of Authoritarian StyleAuthoritarian leaders lead by control... Read More

Reinventing Failure: Designing Success

I am fascinated by problems. I like to think of... Read More

Ask Yourself Whats In It For WE?

"Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working... Read More

What Kind of Leader Are You?

There are literally millions of words written and spoken each... Read More

Asking for Help

For many of us, asking for help is a difficult... Read More

Leadership - Connect to Engage!

It's been said many times that true leadership is measured... Read More

Mr. Shoaffs Simple Strategies to Success

(Excerpted from the Jim Rohn Sampler single CD)My first mentor,... Read More

The Essence of Leadership

What is more important, leadership or teamwork? Leadership or consensus... Read More

Supervisor Training: Helpful Tips to Lead Your Pack

A new supervisor is hired to anchor a gardening project... Read More

The Code of the Conference Leader

Are your meetings generally a waste of time? Do you... Read More

Choose To Become An Encourager

"...I know that the only source of happiness is within... Read More

Learn How to Lead People

"Who rules or guides or inspires others"Having excellent guide skills... Read More

Creating Unlimited Belief for Success!

What's holding your team back from experiencing "breakout performance"?It may... Read More

Charismatic Leadership

What motivates people to work and to achieve? What circumstances... Read More

5 Human Capital Asset Enrichment Strategies for Leaders!

Here's a really simple way to think about the ins... Read More

Extraordinary People in Mediocre Times

My grandfather used to speak of the days when people... Read More

A Lasting Leadership Lesson: How One Leadership Talk By George Washington Saved The Revolution

A Lasting Leadership Lesson: How One Leadership Talk By George... Read More