Carrot and stick reminded me of the story by Daudet about the young psychopath who got a job taking care of the Pope's mule at Avignon. He secretly teased it. The mule had to wait seven years before she got a chance to kick him, but when she did, she put him into orbit.
So if you're tempted to use a stick or other wise abuse a
mule, remember they have long memories. At least the Avignon one did.