Why you should learn diplomacy?
My mother used to say always, your father could never be diplomatic and so it became his major drawback. In his personal as well as professional life. What she meant was really, he is simply straight, simple thinking gentleman. He never understood diplomacy and reasons for being diplomatic in some situations where what you say can be easily misunderstood, however true it might sound. She used to feel very strongly that it is not a virtue but a serious drawback if you are a simple, straight forward thinking and talking person.
Well, I agree with my mom who was not one of those fortunate ones who received a good schooling. But in spite, she had a good sense of direction and understanding of things. Some people are just gullible. Simple tongued. And I consider such characters are honest to the core in their interactions and reactions. They just can’t hide their thoughts and feelings and so they find themselves into hot water sometimes. Because this world is made up of all characters and therefore, what you see is not what actually is always. And that is why, you need to be more thoughtful while even in a casual conversation. Those who want to give a twisted version of your talk will do it at the first opportunity if they want to put you into spot. And this is true in case of office conversations. Casual or official.
That is the reason, in all your conversations with office colleagues, your superiors, your boss, you must be careful when you say anything. You MUST develop that knack of dodging issues, without making any comments or skilfully using lines of neutral approach. Let others think whichever way they want to. But you are honestly neutral in your expressions and it really does not mean anything. Whichever way you look at it. That is Diplomacy.
Your every sentence is carefully expressed with just the right words meaning nothing. Such as ” Well, I really don’t know” or I have really no idea, or may be I don’t know as I have no clue what you are talking about. Or… is it? that’s a news. I never knew. or… come on, that may be your impression. I never thought that way really. There are really many ways to Duck and dodge. It is like you are in the conversation but you are just passive not really actively participating. In other words, keeping your trap shut. Believe me, it pays many times on many occasions to be a good listener. The benefit? You position yourself as a serious person who do not get involved with gossiping. Who do not make loose statements. And who is responsible, matured person.
The best approach I personally like is… Be a good listener and be passive in your reactions. Neutral. Use words very carefully. Make sentences which otherwise carry no meaning but sound good in conversation. If you follow this rule… you will always keep yourself out of trouble and come out as a WINNER.
So learn Diplomacy. In your professional career, it will take you to top. In your personal life… it will help you build relationships. Make lot many friends. Trust me. You will be a successful person.
