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"وقتی چشم‌انداز روشن است، آن را در مقابل چشم‌هایشان بیاور؛ اما وقتی اوضاع تیره و تار است، هیچ چیز به آنها نگو."

Sun Tzu
Sun Tzu Military strategist
Translations
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Quote meaning
This quote basically says that when things are looking good, you should highlight it and make sure everyone sees it. But if things are looking bad, keep it to yourself. It's about managing perceptions and morale.

Imagine a time when this was deeply relevant: the battlefield. In ancient times, leaders needed to keep their troops motivated. If the army had a strong position or a clear advantage, the leader would showcase this to boost morale. But if the situation turned grim, revealing too much could lead to panic and a loss of hope. It's all about maintaining a strategic outlook.

Think about a modern-day example. Let's say you're a manager at a tech startup. The company just landed a huge contract, and the future looks promising. This is the time to rally the team, celebrate the win, and motivate everyone to keep pushing forward. Maybe you throw a small office party or send out a company-wide email highlighting the achievement. By doing this, you’re fueling the team’s enthusiasm and productivity.

But now, consider a scenario where the startup hits a rough patch. Maybe a significant client pulls out, or a product launch fails. Instead of spreading the bad news and causing anxiety, you might choose to limit the details you share. Sure, you need to be transparent and address concerns, but there's no need to dwell on the negativity. Instead, focus on problem-solving and what can be done to improve the situation.

So, how can you apply this in your life? Whether you're leading a team, managing a project, or just navigating daily interactions, emphasize the positives when they're there. It doesn't mean you should be dishonest or overly optimistic, but rather that you highlight the good to inspire and motivate. When things aren't going well, take a step back and consider how much information you need to share. Sometimes, it's better to work through the challenges quietly and present solutions instead of problems.

Picture this: you're on a road trip with friends. You've planned everything meticulously, but halfway through, the car breaks down. Instead of panicking and voicing every negative thought, you stay calm. You focus on finding a solution—calling for roadside assistance, maybe telling a few jokes to keep the mood light. Your friends see your confidence and follow your lead. They don't worry because you didn't give them a reason to. You handle the situation and get back on the road without the trip turning into a disaster.

The essence of this advice is about leadership and emotional intelligence. It’s about knowing when to shine the spotlight and when to dim the lights a bit. The next time you face a high or low point, think about how you present it. You’d be surprised how much impact your approach can have on those around you.
Related tags
Communication Crisis management Decision making Emotional intelligence Leadership Motivation Optimism Positive mindset Strategic planning
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