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About this quote

What does it mean?
The speaker outlines a straightforward personal rule for action: act when in doubt, but stop if faced with direct physical resistance.
In plain terms
Do the job if unsure, but stop if someone stops you physically.
What can you take from it?
Simplicity in decision making reduces hesitation.

Where it applies

  • workplace decisions
  • conflict resolution

Putting it to work

  • taking initiative
  • setting boundaries

Questions to consider

  • How do you handle uncertainty?
  • When do you draw the line?

Another view

Physical resistance is a very specific and limited signal to stop.

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  3. All my life, which has now lasted something under one hundred years, I have observed managers in action: in government, in universities, , and in industry, and…

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