Gentle Does Not Mean Weak

You have to be tough, you cannot be soft. You cannot be gentle with such rough talking people, you have to speak like them. These are some of the reprimands i've got but each time, i question the idea of being 'tough'. Does being tough mean you get what you want?,the job is done? or mission accomplished?.i disagree and abhor rough and hard methods of getting things done and dealing with people. Equally distressing and abominable are veiled threats that come with instructions and orders.

Presumably, asking someone gently or talking in a gentle tone gets you nothing and you also get a stare of ridicule. Can you shout orders and get a baby or a toddler to follow?. Surely, the baby or the toddler will imitate you and think nothing of following such an act and tone of voice. When an adult hears it however, the shout maybe interpreted as either anger or irrational behaviour.

The justification is, the voice is heard and the job gets done. People follow the orders without question and respect is accorded. Really?

Most people equate gentleness as a sign of weakness - A timid person who is afraid to voice up and out. A loser who always agrees and does not argue.- Wrong. Gentle people are strong enough to know when to keep silent or walk away from unreasonable persons and situations. They wisely use their gentleness to win favours, to successfully complete tasks and forge long lasting alliances. They know that raised voices and rough ways make enemies and is a reflection of weakness.

"Nothing is so strong as gentleness and nothing is so gentle as real strength"
- Ralph W. Sockman

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