"Look like the innocent flower, but be the serpent under't" Macbeth 1.5.75

My favourite Shakespeare line, and really my favourite communications tactic. I spent all day as the innocent flower preparing arguments and managing accusations. I calmed others, and got them all floralled up and ready to smile pretty as we watched our backs... and then I failed. I cried and I panicked and I burned out. I spent four hours straight in meetings and explanations, in preperations, and in carefully worded communications. And then I had to stop. I thought I would be okay and pull myself together, but I couldn't. I was supposed to be a strong voice tonight and instead I'm at home quietly coiled up. I was supposed to be a leader, especially after leading all day today, and I let my group down. I just disappeared and cried.