Timing and knowing
In love and war, timing is everything. The wise general knows when to fight and when to retreat. There are times when he has to lose a battle in order to win the war. Strategic retreat does not signify total surrender or defeat. It gives the leader and his troops valuable time — for tactical planning and reinforcements to succeed in the final confrontation.
Struggles for supremacy occur on all levels of life for many reasons — institutional, political, professional and personal. Power, ego, prestige, recognition, money, and love are the sensitive areas of competition.
The corporate battlefield is the scene of many interesting encounters. The titans, known to be ruthless masters of strategy, plan and execute their attacks with cold-blooded cunning. Corporate raiders take calculated risks and strike when logistical conditions are favorable.
During a skirmish, a pragmatic leader is realistic enough to know when to continue fighting or when to cut his losses and concede. Thus, he can conserve vital resources for other clashes for victory.
The desire to be number one, or first among equals, is a compelling force. It inspires people to strive for excellence. Colleagues compete for recognition in the industry. Peers fight for promotions within the corporation. Senior executives aspire for the ultimate trophy position — the CEO or COO post.
The climb to top is a long arduous process, a lifetime goal.
Unless, by a sudden twist of fate, one is catapulted to a position of power and fame.
History has proven that power is seductive, heady, and addictive. Once attained, it is not easy to relinquish. Even when it is time to do so.
Over the years, the news have reported stories about people who stubbornly refuse to accept reality. In corporations, the officers who were once important but are no longer useful are “kicked upstairs” — with titles but no work, no staff. The hint is so strong that one cannot miss the message. “Quit.”
There are delusion- filled officials whose terms have expired but who absurdly cling, physically and emotionally, to their appointive posts. They look for ways to stay, pull strings, and maximize their political connections. There are self- styled messiahs with missions to save the world or the country. But they are already passé.
In love relationships, the balance of power is a tenuous one. In the early stages, blissful lovers are unconcerned about who makes decisions and who leads the way.
When friction erupts, major imperfections crack the “perfect” façade. The ups and downs get worse and eventually, it becomes too difficult to stay together. In many case, a third party appears to exacerbate the tension and alienate the couple. As one lover breaks away to declare his/ her independence, the rejected one has two options, to let go or hang on.
Out of desperation, the emotionally vulnerable person forgets pride and loses his/ her dignity and self-respect,
Perhaps, one can surmise that there are underlying reasons other than the professed principles or dramatic attempts at martyrdom.
Staying in a hopeless situation, fighting for a lost cause, and clinging to the past should have reasonable time limits and boundaries. Taken to excess, they reveal serious character flaws. These are some signs of a grandiosely inflated, fragile ego.
Knowing when to wield power and to fight to win a battle require wisdom, strength, and cunning.
Knowing when to let go requires inner grace, a strong sense of what is right and appropriate, courage, equanimity, and a lot of class.