Summary: Winning Through Intimidation by Robert Ringer

Winning Through Intimidation by Robert Ringer is a book about how to succeed in business and life by using intimidation to your advantage. It was first published in 1974 and has become a classic in the self-help genre.

Ringer defines intimidation as "the ability to project an image of power, confidence, and determination." He argues that intimidation is an essential skill for success in any competitive environment.

The book in three sentences:

• Intimidation is the ability to project an image of power, confidence, and determination. It is an essential skill for success in any competitive environment.
• Intimidation should not be used to manipulate or exploit others. Rather, it should be used to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes.
• There are several key techniques for using intimidation effectively. These include maintaining eye contact, speaking clearly and firmly, and using body language to convey confidence.

The book is divided into two parts. The first part is a theoretical discussion of intimidation, including its definition, its importance, and how to use it effectively. The second part of the book is a practical guide to using intimidation in various situations, such as negotiations, sales, and job interviews.

One of the key messages of Winning Through Intimidation is that intimidation is not about being aggressive or mean-spirited. Rather, it is about being confident and assertive. Ringer emphasizes the importance of maintaining eye contact, speaking clearly and firmly, and using body language to convey confidence.

Another important message of the book is that intimidation is not about winning at all costs. Rather, it is about using your power to get what you want in a fair and ethical manner. Ringer argues that intimidation can be used to build relationships, resolve conflicts, and achieve mutually beneficial outcomes.

Here is a more detailed summary of the main points of Winning Through Intimidation:

• Intimidation is the ability to project an image of power, confidence, and determination. It is an essential skill for success in any competitive environment.
• Intimidation is not about being aggressive or mean-spirited. Rather, it is about being confident and assertive.
• Intimidation can be used to build relationships, resolve conflicts, and achieve mutually beneficial outcomes.
• There are several key techniques for using intimidation effectively. These include maintaining eye contact, speaking clearly and firmly, and using body language to convey confidence.

Ringer provides a number of examples of how intimidation can be used effectively in business and life. For example, he tells the story of a salesman who was able to close a major deal by using intimidation to overcome the buyer's objections. Ringer also tells the story of a man who was able to get a promotion at work by using intimidation to convince his boss that he was the best person for the job.

Ringer also provides a number of practical tips for using intimidation effectively. For example, he advises readers to always be prepared and to do their research before entering into any negotiation or confrontation. He also advises readers to be confident in their abilities and to never back down from a challenge.

Winning Through Intimidation is a controversial book, but it is also a thought-provoking one. Ringer's insights into human nature and the dynamics of power can be valuable for anyone who wants to succeed in business and life.

Here are some additional thoughts on the book:

• Winning Through Intimidation is a product of its time. It was written in the early 1970s, when the business world was much more cutthroat and competitive than it is today. As a result, some of the advice in the book may seem outdated or even offensive to modern readers.
• Ringer's definition of intimidation is quite broad. He includes things like eye contact, body language, and assertive communication under the umbrella of intimidation. However, some people may not consider these things to be intimidating.
• Ringer emphasizes the importance of using intimidation ethically. He argues that intimidation should not be used to manipulate or exploit others. However, it can be difficult to draw the line between ethical and unethical intimidation in practice.

Overall, Winning Through Intimidation is a valuable book for anyone who wants to learn how to use power to their advantage. However, it is important to read the book with a critical eye and to be mindful of the context in which it was written.

Here are some specific examples of how intimidation can be used effectively in business and life:

• In a negotiation, you can use intimidation to get a better deal. For example, you can maintain eye contact, speak clearly and firmly, and use body language to convey confidence. This can make the other party feel intimidated and more likely to agree to your terms.
• In a sales situation, you can use intimidation to close more deals. For example, you can use your knowledge of the product or service to convince the customer that they need it. You can also use your confidence and assertiveness to overcome the customer's objections.
• In a job interview, you can use intimidation to impress the interviewer and make a good case for yourself. For example, you can maintain eye contact, speak clearly and firmly, and use body language to convey confidence. You can also use your knowledge and experience to demonstrate that you are the best person for the job.

Winning Through Intimidation is a valuable book for anyone who wants to learn how to use power to their advantage. However, it is important to read the book with a critical eye and to be mindful of the context in which it was written.

Here are some additional thoughts on the ethical use of intimidation:

• Intimidation should not be used to bully or coerce others. It is important to remember that everyone has their own rights and boundaries. Intimidation should only be used to get what you want in a fair and ethical manner.
• Intimidation should not be used to lie or cheat. If you are using intimidation to get what you want, you should be honest and upfront about your intentions.
• Intimidation should not be used to harm others. Intimidation should only be used to achieve positive outcomes.

If you are considering using intimidation in a particular situation, it is important to weigh the potential benefits and risks. It is also important to make sure that you are using intimidation in an ethical and responsible manner.

Here are some additional tips for using intimidation effectively:

• Be confident. Confidence is key when it comes to intimidation. If you don't believe in yourself, no one else will.
• Be prepared. Before you enter into any situation where you might need to use intimidation, make sure you are well-prepared. Do your research and know what you want to achieve.
• Be assertive. Don't be afraid to speak up and assert yourself. Be clear and direct in your communication.
• Be fair. Intimidation should not be used to manipulate or exploit others. Use intimidation in a fair and ethical manner.

If you follow these tips, you can use intimidation to your advantage in business and life without crossing any ethical lines.

Conclusion

Winning Through Intimidation teaches readers how to use power and confidence to achieve their goals. However, it is important to use intimidation ethically and responsibly. Intimidation should be used to build relationships, resolve conflicts, and achieve mutually beneficial outcomes, not to manipulate, exploit, or harm others.

 

Winning Through Intimidation is a controversial book, but it is also a thought-provoking one. Ringer's insights into human nature and the dynamics of power can be valuable for anyone who wants to succeed in business and life.

However, it is important to remember that intimidation is a powerful tool that should be used with caution. When used ethically, intimidation can be used to build relationships, resolve conflicts, and achieve mutually beneficial outcomes. However, when used unethically, intimidation can be used to manipulate, exploit, and harm others.

The key to using intimidation effectively is to do so in a way that is fair and respectful. If you can use intimidation to get what you want without crossing any ethical lines, then it can be a valuable tool for success.