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If you want to be successful and influence others, the ability to be diplomatic might be one of the most powerful skills you can develop. When you're diplomatic, you signal to others that you care about their feelings and want to find a solution that works for everyone involved. Using diplomatic skills also helps you create a more collaborative environment, as opposed to an adversarial one. Read on to learn how to hone your diplomatic skills and put them to work to achieve your goals.
How to Practice Diplomacy
Be diplomatic by listening more than you talk. Choose a place and time that are appropriate to have the discussion and empathize with the other person so you understand how to say what you have to say in a way they'll understand and appreciate.
Steps
Master the Art of Communication with this Expert Series
The best communicators are diplomatic, honest, and tactful. We've put together these expert articles to help you improve your communication skills and your relationships.
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QuestionWhat are the diplomatic skills?Trudi Griffin is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Wisconsin specializing in Addictions and Mental Health. She provides therapy to people who struggle with addictions, mental health, and trauma in community health settings and private practice. She received her MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Marquette University in 2011.Diplomatic skills include active listening, speaking tactfully and respectfully, and the ability to see multiple points of view.
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QuestionIs it good to be diplomatic?Trudi Griffin is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Wisconsin specializing in Addictions and Mental Health. She provides therapy to people who struggle with addictions, mental health, and trauma in community health settings and private practice. She received her MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Marquette University in 2011.Yes. Diplomatic skills often prevent issues from escalating to conflict as diplomatic people can see both sides of a problem.
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QuestionWhat is an example of diplomacy?Trudi Griffin is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Wisconsin specializing in Addictions and Mental Health. She provides therapy to people who struggle with addictions, mental health, and trauma in community health settings and private practice. She received her MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Marquette University in 2011.A diplomatic person would be able to facilitate an agreement between two coworkers with conflicting views of how a project should go and resolve the problem with each coworker feeling like their needs and interests were addressed.
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References
- ↑ https://www.southampton.ac.uk/~assets/doc/hr/Selecting%20the%20right%20communication%20channel%20or%20medium.pdf
- ↑ https://hbr.org/tip/2018/04/be-tactful-when-you-provide-feedback-in-writing
- ↑ https://www.entrepreneur.com/en-au/entrepreneurs/workplace-diplomacy-10-tactics-to-be-more-influential/323153
- ↑ https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/the_power_of_good_manners
- ↑ https://hbr.org/2021/09/5-techniques-to-build-rapport-with-your-colleagues
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/body-language
- ↑ https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/using_a_persons_name_in_conversation
- ↑ https://hbr.org/podcast/2023/09/how-do-i-communicate-with-more-tact
- ↑ https://hbr.org/podcast/2023/09/how-do-i-communicate-with-more-tact
- ↑ https://online.findlay.edu/2579-2/
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/how-to-do-life/201405/my-attempt-to-learn-how-to-be-tactful
- ↑ https://emergingrnleader.com/becoming-more-tactful/
- ↑ https://afsa.org/two-ears-one-mouth-two-hands-diplomacy-101
- ↑ https://hbr.org/podcast/2023/09/how-do-i-communicate-with-more-tact
- ↑ https://hbr.org/2023/04/how-to-give-negative-feedback-to-your-peers-boss-or-direct-reports
- ↑ https://www.fastcompany.com/90451221/how-to-find-common-ground-when-it-seems-impossible
- ↑ https://hbr.org/podcast/2023/09/how-do-i-communicate-with-more-tact
- ↑ https://hbr.org/podcast/2023/09/how-do-i-communicate-with-more-tact
- ↑ https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/behavioral-health-partners/bhp-blog/april-2018/5-4-3-2-1-coping-technique-for-anxiety.aspx
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/how-to-do-life/201405/my-attempt-to-learn-how-to-be-tactful
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/assertive/art-20044644
- ↑ https://www.amanet.org/articles/5-actions-for-communicating-with-diplomacy-tact-and-credibility/
- ↑ https://www.amanet.org/articles/5-actions-for-communicating-with-diplomacy-tact-and-credibility/
- ↑ https://afsa.org/two-ears-one-mouth-two-hands-diplomacy-101
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/how-to-do-life/201405/my-attempt-to-learn-how-to-be-tactful
- ↑ https://hbr.org/2023/04/how-to-give-negative-feedback-to-your-peers-boss-or-direct-reports
- ↑ https://www.amanet.org/articles/5-actions-for-communicating-with-diplomacy-tact-and-credibility/
- ↑ https://www.amanet.org/articles/5-actions-for-communicating-with-diplomacy-tact-and-credibility/
- ↑ https://diplomacy.state.gov/discover-diplomacy/the-skills-of-diplomacy/
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/how-to-do-life/201405/my-attempt-to-learn-how-to-be-tactful
- ↑ https://emergingrnleader.com/becoming-more-tactful/
- ↑ https://hbr.org/podcast/2023/09/how-do-i-communicate-with-more-tact
- ↑ https://emergingrnleader.com/becoming-more-tactful/
About This Article
Article Summary
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If you want to communicate in a more diplomatic way, be careful about how you phrase your statements. Try to make it clear that you are giving your opinion by using “I” statements. For example, say things like, “I don’t like what you said to me” instead of assuming it was meant as an insult. You should also try to be less direct by asking people if they have considered other options, instead of telling them to do it your way. For advice from our reviewer on dealing with difficult situations, read more!
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