I decided to go to a Beatles concert in England in September of 1965. On a country road, a few miles outside of Liverpool, I parked the Corvette. I didn’t want anyone in town to see the car, because I didn’t feel like explaining my time-travel story again, at least on this special occasion. But I needed a ride into downtown Liverpool. So I used the time machine to transport my faithful horse Spirit to that location.

When Spirit energized, the palomino stallion said, “Hi there, master! Do you want to go for another ride?”

“Yes! I thought that you might need some exercise. Would you like to accompany me to a Beatles concert?”

“Yeah, I guess. How far do we have to go?”

“We’ve got to venture about six miles down this scenic, seldom-traveled, dirt road. Spirit, let’s get going. We don’t want to miss the beginning of the concert.”

We galloped along, for several blocks, at full speed. Suddenly, we came upon a black wooden fence that was blocking the dusty road. Spirit saw the three-foot-high, double-boarded obstacle and put on the breaks. He dug his rear horseshoes into the soft dirt; we abruptly skidded about five feet before we came to a complete stop. Although Spirit could have easily leaped the short fence, he just sat down at the base of the structure and looked dumbfounded.

“Spirit, we’re running late. I demand that you jump the fence. Must I turn you into dog food?”

“No, my Master. I just refuse to jump!”

I raised my horsewhip and dug the sharp silver spurs on my boots into Spirit’s ribs. “JUMP NOW!” I screamed. “My words are as hard as steel. Lord, why does this stubborn animal pay me no heed?”

As I dismounted my horse, I noticed God. She was leaning against the fence. The Lord said, “Wantsalittle, it looks as though you could use a lesson in ‘giving effective instructions.’ Almost daily you will need to give some form of instructions. Choose your words carefully. Learn to be more tactful. Remember that others would rather be asked, not told what to do.”

“I just assumed that Spirit knew that he should jump the fence.”

“Wantsalittle, never assume that others understand what it is that you want done. If you are to understand others and have them understand you, know the big words, but use the small ones. Keep your instructions simple. In World War II, American Civil Defense personnel had signs printed that read ‘Illumination must be extinguished when premises are vacated.’ After seeing these signs, President Franklin D. Roosevelt exclaimed, ‘Damn, why can’t they simply say, “Put out the lights when you leave.”’ Here’s the point: Issue simple instructions whenever possible.”

“God, what else can I do to give better instructions?”

“Demonstrate and dramatize your instructions. Offer positive instructions that help affirm other people’s self-concepts. Point out ‘what’s in it for them.’ If you can reassure people’s self-worth by demonstrating that their efforts and achievements will be recognized and rewarded, you will have little trouble getting others to do what you want done. If you make a mistake and offend someone when issuing instructions, apologize and start over. Winston Churchill once said, ‘Eating words has never given me indigestion.’ It never hurts to swallow your pride, and use a more virtuous approach.”

“All right, Lord, anything else?”

“As you think and act by issuing clear and tactful instructions, your directives will be completely understood and carried out by people who want to do what it is that you want accomplished. Choose words that will enable you to give more tactful, meaningful, and effective instructions.” Suddenly, the Lord took several steps backward. Then She ran toward the fence, jumped the three-foot-tall barrier, and disappeared into the thick, England, evening fog.

I took off my spurs and tossed the horsewhip on the ground. I remounted Spirit and petted the horse on the back of the head. “Spirit, you have been very loyal to me through the years. Would you please jump the fence for me?” I politely asked. The stallion readily responded.

“Thank you, Spirit!” I exclaimed. “I appreciate your being so obedient and faithful.” I unfastened the straps on my backpack and handed the stallion a carrot, a reward for his good behavior. We continued on our way to the Beatles concert without further delay.

(The moral of this episode: Choose words that will enable you to issue more tactful, meaningful, and effective instructions!)

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