5 Abilities for Men to Achieve Great Things

Author: Lü Shuchun
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-07-01
Features: 4. Utilizing the Bamboo Law. When typhoons sweep through tropical regions, bamboo plants can escape disaster unharmed. The bamboo simply bends. Upon sensing the storm, the bamboo instantly snaps back to its original position. The bamboo provides an excellent model for how to respond correctly to resistance. First, it bends to show awareness of the other party's reaction. Then, it returns to its original state and reiterates your request. This method is highly effective because it dissipates the force of the resistance while preserving the desired change intact. Now, let's see how the bamboo tactic can counter harsher rhetoric and other forms of resistance, achieving change calmly. You propose the change, and Esther responds that she doesn’t consider her feelings about the matter at all. You shouldn’t defend yourself or “bend” first. “I can imagine, Esther, that I might be a bit slow on the uptake. If you can complete this project by noon tomorrow, I’d be happy to free up one hour on Tuesday.” “Perhaps I can’t always be as sensitive as I should. If you complete this project before noon, I’d be happy.” “In some situations, I might be quite unreasonable. Here’s my suggestion. If, then.” Using words like “perhaps,” “maybe,” and “in some cases” allows you to acknowledge the other party’s response without fully agreeing. When dealing with resistance in the form of excuses, the bamboo tactic works just as well. Suppose the excuse for delay is outdated equipment. Here’s how to first bend and then straighten when encountering such an excuse. “I agree with you that if we had new equipment, this would be easier. Once you complete this plan, I’d be willing to… If employees are too down due to personal issues to work at high speed, you can say: “I can imagine it’s not easy to break free now. If you can complete the audit by noon on Thursday, I’d be happy to let you leave two hours early that afternoon.” In most cases, the bamboo law alone can produce quick results. P24-25