Page 3 - Al-Rashed Newsletter May 2022

To Be Or Not To Be - DIPLOMATIC?

A casual statement from one of my close colleagues, “You are very Diplomatic” got me thinking. I wondered
if it was a compliment or a provoking remark for which I need to work on. Thus began my journey of
analyzing my past & my present.

I recalled my past and realized since the beginning of my career, I didn't look back even once. I had always
climbed the ladder of leadership rather quick and always got along with people well. Gradually did I come
out of the cocoon of being a book worm - academically learning the traits of being a Successful Manager
and subconsciously did I imbibe many of the learnt so-called tricks of the trade. The techniques of which
were so religiously and sincerely practiced that it grew within me and soon was to realise that I had a flair in
Man-Management … the Key word having been DIPLOMACY.

As a Manager or a Team Leader, always bearing in mind that neither of the positions was about one’s size
or specifically status – but of courage and powerful mind-set; there were many instances where I was
caught at the tight spot. Neither could I reveal the truth and be hurtful, nor could I conceal the truth and
cause pain for self – for deftly is it remarked that maintaining diplomacy is persuasively for a man who thinks
twice before he says nothing; and to say nothing, especially when speaking, is literally per se, half the art of
diplomacy.

Yet, the dilemma of should I be Honest or should I be Rude haunts you and that’s where diplomacy always
scores. “It’s not What you say that matters but HOW you say that matters”. This very bit of art I believe is the
life blood for every successful manager which need to be self-acquired either academically or through
experience.

I always believed for Man-Management human relationship to be the key; coined with using wise tact and
healthy diplomacy in the right dosage to enhance one’s relationship, being instrumental in building and
developing mutual respect which consequently could lead to successful outcome and reduce the stressful
communication. It can assist you in business negotiations or when you are attempting to be assertive or
persuasive – speaking on notes of which, it’s rightfully said, “Let us never negotiate out of fear. But let us
never fear to negotiate”.

The art of reading people is crucial in diplomacy and we need to possess the quality of being sensitive to
their opinions, beliefs, ideas and feelings. Observing one’s body language and the tone in their dialogue is
always important. I always believe in the quote, “People are not interested in knowing how you feel
about them but are interested in How you make them feel”. Therefore, read them and create a need in
them on what you want to give them.