Tact and Diplomacy

My article "Developing Tact and Diplomacy" (www.gautreygroup.com/articles/developtact.php) has attracted considerable interest over the last couple of years, particularly with those who need to demonstrate greater sensitivity when influencing. They are often bemused by the way others seem to take everything so personally! They are tough, but fair. The need to adjust their behaviour is obvious, as too is the positive impact the change can have on relationships.

Less obvious is the need for naturally sensitive people to lower their tact and diplomacy to achieve greater influence. When these people need to influence tough customers, they run the risk of being perceived as lacking directness, "walking on egg shells" and generally wasting time getting to the point. This mental reaction (noise) creates an unhelpful distraction. In reality, their desire to be tactful and not upset people is often having the reverse effect. By reducing the level of diplomacy in their behaviour, they gain more respect and this hopefully clears the way for more effective influence.

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