Johannes Rau Quotes

There is a fine line between assertiveness and being relaxed.

You do have to do business with and to try to influence people you don't agree with, or find disagreeable, so it's important to stress that balance.

Don't beg, don't threaten and don't assume you're always right.

Persuasiveness is really just about getting your ideas across without being forceful. It's a skill that can be learned and is useful for anyone who works in a team environment.

I've spent my life navigating through sensitive issues. Not wanting to upset people.

But you've got to understand what the other guy is about, even if at the end of the process you decide that there is no ground with this man or woman except to fight them.

This applies to many film jobs, not just editing: half the job is doing the job, and the other half is finding ways to get along with people and tuning yourself in to the delicacy of the situation.

Relationships are a constant negotiation and balance.

I like tough relationships. I think relationships with conflict are good for you - you learn. But you can't listen too much. I have a strong point of view, and it's important that I fight for my ideas.

The strong should always permit the weak and aggrieved to talk, to bluster, and scold without taking offence; and if we had so acted, and exercised proper skill in the management of our affairs, Mexico and ourselves would, by this time, have quietly and peaceably settled all difficulties and been good friends.

I do believe that in order to be a successful negotiator that as a diplomat, you have to be able to put yourself into the other person's shoes. Unless you can understand what is motivating them, you are never going to be able to figure out how to solve a particular problem.

You can be happy, or you can be right. If you want to be part of a couple and win every argument, you're in trouble.

I have a talent for dealing with difficult men.

I'm very honest - brutally honest. I always look at things from their point of view as well as mine. And I know when to walk away.

I can only say that I have good personal relations with all secretaries of state with whom I have a chance to work.

I can do the PR thing until the cows come home. That's my nature. I never want to upset anybody.

The capability of negotiating... is something that means you not only have to understand fully what you believe and what your national interests are but in order to be a really good negotiator, you have to try to figure out what the other person on the other side of the table has in mind.

I have a good relationship with the world. But I don't know what the trick is to maintaining it.

Once kick the world, and the world and you will live together at a reasonably good understanding.

I don't have the ability to find a middle ground with my audiences, and I know this too well.

As I've gotten to know myself over the years, I realised I'm kind of a sweet, sensitive guy, a shy guy, and communication is not something I'm so good at.

It is natural to have differences and still remain friends.

Hot heads and cold hearts never solved anything.

Carrying our successful diplomacy is difficult if you do not have ears for things you do not want to hear.

You have to negotiate with people who don’t trust you and vica versa. You have to be very careful but you can’t be paralyzed.