My former job was as manager of a jewelry store. It was in a mall in an urban area...read: lots of young black kids as customers.
In order to operate the store I had to adopt a stern and ruthless persona. People had to know that I would not be fucked with. I would be reasonable with some people but, others would take that as a sign of weakness and try to get over on me.
For me, being feared worked. people knew not to fuck around when i was in the store or there would be hell to pay. I think that had something to do with us never being robbed when many of the other stores in the mall had to deal with that.
problem is, it took a toll on me mentally. It's not an easy thing being feared and hated. Especially when I'm not really the hard ass I made myself out to be.
Since my experience is being feared, I'll have to say i'd rather be loved. I've spent 10 years of my life cultivating fear as a method of control. I'm ready to try something else.
