The 48 Laws of Power · law 35 of 48

35. Master the Art of Timing

timing

The principle

Never seem to be in a hurry — hurrying betrays a lack of control over yourself and time. Always seem patient, as if you know everything will eventually come to you.

The application

The exact same move made three weeks too early fails; made three weeks too late fails worse. Timing is the second word of strategy. Practice noticing when a room is ripe and when it is still green.

The defensive tell — how to spot it being run on you

When a senior person delays an obvious move that everyone is asking for, do not assume indecision. They are usually waiting for a piece of information, a personnel change, or a market beat the rest of you do not yet see. The patience is the strategy.

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