A few more lessons on tact…
In the art of conversing with others, especially those that are vital to the progress of your business, always remember the basic maxim: “Do not do unto others what you do not want others to do unto you.” This is one of the keys to personal development.
Today’s post will be a continuation of the previous blog I made. I just felt like there are a lot more things to write about especially when handling conversations. So here goes.
Survey the scene. You have to be considerate of the time and place when choosing the words that you are about to let out. You even would have to consider the other people who will be hearing you. Remember that your choice of words can make or break relationships but more than that, it can also make or break your integrity. Personal development agencies and advisers would definitely give me a nod when I say that no matter how ticked off we are, we should still be aware of our words.
You can be honest and tactful at the same time. You can say what you want to say and not hurt anyone with your words. Well, chances that people would get hurt are quite high. Still, you do not have the license to go about and harrass people with your language. This brings us to my next point.
Be careful not to scare people away. Need I say more?
Keep it casual. One of the many ways to keeping a conversation neutral is to keep it casual. And when I say casual, I mean that you can always present your issues and/or concerns in such a way that it would sound like it’s a normal thing that happens to any business transaction. The sandwich strategy, so I was told, always works. And this is how you do it. One, you point out the good things that the personnel or the customer has done so far. Two, you point out the thing that went wrong. Three, give suggestions.
While keeping it casual, remember to be confident and direct. The more you sound like you’re unsure of what you’re saying, the more it would appear like you are trying to sugar coat things and this might not be met with positive responses on the part of your audience.
Listen to what the other party has to say. Here’s the thing. You getting ticked off might be a product of mere misunderstanding. So make sure you hear the other person out. This would probably make you feel better as you would eventually get to understand where the other person is coming from.
Compromise should always be one of your options. Resolutions are vital to every conversation. Intense discussions especially need to come to a close so that issues would not pile up. Make sure you settle all issues once and for all before either one of you leaves.
There you have it! I hope that is another helpful personal development blog. You guys have fun communicating with everyone!
