Lenity will operate with greater force, in some instances, than rigor. It is therefore my first wish to have my whole conduct distinguished by it.

Going easy on someone will often get you further than coming down hard. Severity produces compliance and resentment together, and the resentment lasts longer than the compliance; leniency, offered where it was not expected, tends to produce the thing you actually wanted, which is someone who wants to get it right. It does not work every time, which is why it is a default rather than a rule.

When the next mistake lands on your desk, try the mild response first and keep the severe one in reserve. Ask what would make this person want to do better, then do that. Save your rigour for the second offence.