In Part 1 we looked at the concept of going out of our way to be kind to those people who are in positions where they are usually not shown a great deal of respect. We do this simply because it’s the right way to be. The fact is, however, at times it will also pay huge dividends.

As promised at the end, today’s illustration will feature an example that is absolutely not usual or duplicatable. But it sure is a cool story with a great lesson.

It showcases the extra-special abilities of Hall of Fame quarterback and now highly successful entrepreneur, Fran Tarkenton. As a quarterback, and a small one at only 5’10″, Fran was continually the target of the huge, tough, often merciless defensive linemen.

Linemen can be mean to quarterbacks. They’re supposed to be. That’s their job. On top of that, they know they don’t earn the kind of money most quarterbacks earn and they certainly don’t enjoy the same adulation and glory. Those 320+ pound guys can be downright rough on the Fran Tarkentons of the world.

But Fran is a master of people skills. He is now, and certainly was back then. According to his former teammate, Ahmad Rashad, after a particularly rough hit, Fran would acknowledge his attacker by saying something like, “Great day for football, isn’t it?” or “Man, that was quite a hit.”

These guys weren’t exactly used to quarterbacks actually talking to them in more than four letter words – and they certainly weren’t used to being treated as human beings.

Before long, they weren’t quite as aggressive, mean and nasty with Fran. Sure, they’d still hit him, but they wouldn’t rough him up as they did other quarterbacks.  He took the anger out of them and probably added years to his Hall of Fame career.

Wow, that’s when Winning Without intimidation really comes in handy – when your life depends upon it!

Of course, most of us aren’t professional quarterbacks, or otherwise chased by wild-eyed, maniacal, and just plain nasty very large human beings even for non-athletic reasons…I hope. So, let’s go back to how we treat those who are generally not treated with a great deal of respect by other people. This also applies to anyone who may not seem to be in a position to do something for us.

Maybe they are the one in need. As mentioned earlier, do you think of them as important and significant human beings? Do you genuinely feel that way on the inside {so that your feelings radiate on the outside}? Yes, it does make a definite difference. And that alone is enough. However, it also almost ensures they’ll go out of their way to make sure you are happy if that’s something the situation calls for.

Again, that’s not the reason you treat everyone with respect, kindness and dignity . . . just the “result.”