Snipers

Beware of snipers. Not the ones hiding in trees or behind bushes, beware of the ones who hide behind smiles or emails who undermine or add doubt.

A sniper isn't always some evil stranger who is out to get you, he can be a close friend or associate who is trying to carve out a position for himself by fueling negative thoughts or criticisms.

A sniper is looking to control or win over people and does it by trying to tear others down. Usually the sniper doesn't really stand for anything, he just causes enough confusion to add to his power.

First of all, we have to make sure we're not snipers. And if we think we might be, then the question is why? Second of all, we have to communicate often and well enough that we can eliminate most of the breeding ground for snipers. Snipers will prey on confusion, lack of communication and conflict.

And if we think we are dealing with a sniper, we have to face him out in the open, where he is less comfortable.

Barry LaBov
LaBov & Beyond
www.labov.com