"If you're going to kill someone there isn't much reason to get all worked up about it and angry - you just pull the trigger. Angry discussions beforehand are a waste of time. We need to smile at Novell while we pull the trigger"

This quote by Jim Allchin is a metaphor for the competitive business world. It suggests that when completing against a rival, there is no need to get angry or have actually warmed discussions. Instead, one need to stay calm and concentrated on the task at hand. The metaphor of "shooting" suggests that a person should take decisive action and not be reluctant. The expression "smile at Novell while we pull the trigger" suggests that a person must stay professional and considerate even when competing against a competitor. This quote is a suggestion that in organization, it is necessary to remain focused and take definitive action in order to succeed. It likewise suggests that it is necessary to remain professional and courteous even when competing versus a competitor.