Having mentored a subordinate with a face full of brute strength and a prickly way of speaking, I always thought that was the only way to command respect.

I took him to meet an older senior in engineering. The old man wore a faded white Polo shirt, smiling all the time, speaking slowly and deliberately, even passing us cigarettes. On the way back, the subordinate scoffed: "This old guy looks pretty kind, no real威慑力."

I sneered slightly: "Do you believe that if he smiles and signs a note, he can make you fail in that industry?" He froze.

I told him: "A real tough person doesn't need to 'lose their temper' to show strength. Losing temper is instinctive, the last resistance of the incapable; controlling your temper is true skill."

The reason he wears a smile is because he already holds enough chips in his hand to ignore your provocation. His smile isn't politeness, but an assessment: whether you're a worthy opponent to deploy resources against, or just a cicada chirping that can be ignored.

Later, I realized that those who constantly shout and show ferocity on their faces are mostly trying to cover up their inner weakness. And those who can truly cause a storm from nothing often appear gentle and refined.

The higher the predator, the better they are at hiding their fangs.