Bully Quote by Rick Brinkman
““Or recall a time in your own past when you stood up to a bully. If you know people who know how to handle your Tank, imagine being those people and thinking or feeling whatever it is they feel or think that allows them to be more effective. Identify models of people who have the self-confidence, self-esteem, and self-control to deal calmly and professionally with pushy people. For example, imagine what it would feel like to be Clint Eastwood, saying, “Go ahead. Make my day.” Whichever of these methods you use, make it a mental habit to rehearse dealing with your Tank at least a few times, until you feel comfortable with the prospect of using it.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Art of Negotiation, Rick Brinkman, 2002
Visualizing confident responses builds mental rehearsal, making it easier to handle aggressive encounters calmly and professionally.
In simple terms: Imagine yourself handling a bully with calm confidence.
Practice mental rehearsals to build confidence.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- workplace disputes
- customer service
- personal boundaries
- team leadership
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you test these rehearsals in real interactions?
- What signs show you’re ready to apply the habit?
May become overly reliant on imagined scenarios without real‑world feedback.