Q&A for How to Be Diplomatic

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  • Question
    What are the diplomatic skills?
    Trudi Griffin, LPC, MS
    Professional Counselor
    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.
    Professional Counselor
    Expert Answer
    Diplomatic skills include active listening, speaking tactfully and respectfully, and the ability to see multiple points of view.
  • Question
    Is it good to be diplomatic?
    Trudi Griffin, LPC, MS
    Professional Counselor
    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.
    Professional Counselor
    Expert Answer
    Yes. Diplomatic skills often prevent issues from escalating to conflict as diplomatic people can see both sides of a problem.
  • Question
    What is an example of diplomacy?
    Trudi Griffin, LPC, MS
    Professional Counselor
    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.
    Professional Counselor
    Expert Answer
    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.
  • Question
    How can a person be diplomatic?
    Trudi Griffin, LPC, MS
    Professional Counselor
    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.
    Professional Counselor
    Expert Answer
    A diplomatic person is one who can see both sides of an issue or the needs of multiple groups of people and help navigate issues and needs to achieve positive results.
  • Question
    How do you deal with a toxic coworker?
    Jennifer Clark
    Life Coach
    Jennifer Clark is an Evolution Coach and the Founder of Soulful Solutions, her life consulting business which helps both individuals and organizations evolve and grow into their full potential based in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. She has over 20 years of experience assisting over 8000 individuals with life consulting, workshop facilitation, and public speaking training. She received a Risk Management Certification from the Sprott School of Business in 2000, an Integrated Energy Therapy Master and Instruction Certificate in 2004, and an Assertiveness Coach Certificate in 2015. She earned a BA with Honors in Political Science from Queen's University in 1992.
    Life Coach
    Expert Answer
    Sometimes the only way to move past an issue at work is to reach out to a third party for mediation. Use the other person's input to come up with a solution rather than asking them to pick someone who is right and someone who is wrong.
  • Question
    How do you be diplomatic when someone criticizes you?
    Jennifer Clark
    Life Coach
    Jennifer Clark is an Evolution Coach and the Founder of Soulful Solutions, her life consulting business which helps both individuals and organizations evolve and grow into their full potential based in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. She has over 20 years of experience assisting over 8000 individuals with life consulting, workshop facilitation, and public speaking training. She received a Risk Management Certification from the Sprott School of Business in 2000, an Integrated Energy Therapy Master and Instruction Certificate in 2004, and an Assertiveness Coach Certificate in 2015. She earned a BA with Honors in Political Science from Queen's University in 1992.
    Life Coach
    Expert Answer
    If someone criticizes you, say something like, "Hey thanks for your feedback. You seem really passionate about this topic. You may be seeing something I'm not. Can you share your thoughts with me about this?"
  • Question
    How can I be diplomatic and tactful with my husband?
    Jennifer Clark
    Life Coach
    Jennifer Clark is an Evolution Coach and the Founder of Soulful Solutions, her life consulting business which helps both individuals and organizations evolve and grow into their full potential based in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. She has over 20 years of experience assisting over 8000 individuals with life consulting, workshop facilitation, and public speaking training. She received a Risk Management Certification from the Sprott School of Business in 2000, an Integrated Energy Therapy Master and Instruction Certificate in 2004, and an Assertiveness Coach Certificate in 2015. She earned a BA with Honors in Political Science from Queen's University in 1992.
    Life Coach
    Expert Answer
    Recognize your husband's input. After he shares his perspective, compliment him, even if you still disagree. Acknowledging him may help you both move on and work together more effectively in the future.
  • Question
    How can I be diplomatic with my boss?
    Jennifer Clark
    Life Coach
    Jennifer Clark is an Evolution Coach and the Founder of Soulful Solutions, her life consulting business which helps both individuals and organizations evolve and grow into their full potential based in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. She has over 20 years of experience assisting over 8000 individuals with life consulting, workshop facilitation, and public speaking training. She received a Risk Management Certification from the Sprott School of Business in 2000, an Integrated Energy Therapy Master and Instruction Certificate in 2004, and an Assertiveness Coach Certificate in 2015. She earned a BA with Honors in Political Science from Queen's University in 1992.
    Life Coach
    Expert Answer
    Listen to what they have to say, even if it's hard. When you ask your boss for their opinion, they may feel a sense of purpose or even righteousness. Even if you don't care for the person, hold it in for the sake of trying to understand the person and resolve the issue.
  • Question
    How do you make your superior agree with your suggestion or opinion?
    Paul Chernyak, LPC
    Licensed Professional Counselor
    Paul Chernyak is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Chicago. He graduated from the American School of Professional Psychology in 2011.
    Licensed Professional Counselor
    Expert Answer
    Your best bet is to back up your opinion with some factual substance so that they can see that you are presenting an informed opinion.
  • Question
    What's a good way to practice being diplomatic?
    Community Answer
    Practice thinking through different scenarios in your head. Consider how to approach them in a clear, well structured manner. With practice, you will be able to think up something diplomatic in the moment, because you will be used to thinking diplomatically. If something seems risky or offensive, it is often better to be quiet and outwardly agree with the other party, rather than making a scene.
  • Question
    Is it diplomacy if I can say something wrong and have others agree with my idea?
    Community Answer
    It is technically possible get people to accept an incorrect idea in a diplomatic manner, though this isn't the goal of diplomacy. The ultimate goal of diplomacy is for two or more parties to work out a solution to a mutual problem which is agreeable to all involved. On a more personal level, being diplomatic just means being sensitive and agreeable.
  • Question
    If I am in charge and ask somebody to do something and they refuse, what can I do?
    Community Answer
    You could tell them what will be their gains,in terms of money, incentive or any other development, if they accomplish the task given by you. The most important inspiration for someone to be motivated is to awaken their belief system. Try to inspire them internally if possible.
  • Question
    Is it always good to be straightforward with people?
    Community Answer
    It depends on what you are disclosing. In some instances it's better to keep your thoughts to yourself. For instance if you are fully aware that the information may hurt a person, and it's not something they need to know, don't tell them.
  • Question
    How can I write a diplomatic response?
    Community Answer
    Remember that the whole point of being diplomatic is being sensitive to the issues at hand and coming to an agreeable resolution. So, make sure you fully understand the other party's concerns before you begin writing. Also, make sure you write formally and avoid using offensive language.
  • Question
    What do I do when my husband is yelling and will not take a breath?
    Community Answer
    Let him finish and then calmly negotiate, but if he gets abusive, call 911.
  • Question
    How can I be impressive in the office while everyone there is against me?
    Community Answer
    Maybe just ignore them. If this doesn't work, invite them for coffee or just try to get along with them.
  • Question
    How do I control my temper in situations where I think I am wronged?
    Community Answer
    Do not react immediately or get aggressive or defensive. Step away from the situation and take deep breaths to give yourself time to process your emotions.
  • Question
    How do I control the volume and pitch of my voice to seem diplomatic?
    Community Answer
    Try to keep your expressions and voice neutral, but not in such a way that you sound monotonous. Smiling slightly while you talk may help to modulate your tone.
  • Question
    What if I am in a situation where the other parties refuse reason and diplomacy?
    Community Answer
    In such a case, maybe there is more to the issue at hand than you can see now. Wait and gain a better perspective and listen to their views. Sometimes reason and diplomacy can be difficult to achieve if bigger issues are standing in the way.
  • Question
    How do I reason with clients?
    Community Answer
    Make sure to listen to what they have to say, as it may help you to understand their point of view. If there is a disagreement, be sure to stay calm and not become angry as you're talking through the situation with them to try to come to a win-win resolution.
  • Question
    A girl always interrupts me and my teacher always supports her. What should I do?
    Community Answer
    Report it to her superior, such as the principal. Ideally, you could also get your parent involved and take some recordings of any incidents if possible.
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