Page 4 - Al-Rashed Newsletter May 2022

It’s important for one to understand and differentiate between TACT & DIPLOMACY.
Tact is the way in which one communicates their opinion without making an enemy and
Diplomacy is letting the other person do it in their own persuasive manner with the complete
consent based facts tabled down with pro and cons.
To strategize one’s way for a decision through Tact & Diplomacy. One needs to first decide on
what to achieve and on the favoured outcome. Secondly, to be in absolute control of one’s
Emotions and Temperament, it’s indeed crucial to possess the Art of Listening so that it gives the
counterpart the belief that the decision made is on the basis of rationalising all the thoughts that
has been put forth after having been an ardent listener to them.

One of the most primordial aspects as far as human behavioral etiquette are concerned, at times
carrying tinges of being the most unkindest cut of all – especially from a close trusted friend or
relative, speaking volumes of hidden bitter truth, has its own package of risk factors; and is
deemed quite the most difficult chapter to adhere to, in human standards. Unless & until one has
quite that intellectually smart approach of utmost tactful diplomacy.

Indeed - Diplomacy is the art of telling people to go to hell in such a way that they actually
look forward to the trip – asking for directions, with a smile.

Whilst drawn to conclude, am reminded of the age-old adage that would speak volumes with
reference to the overall above: “The real art of conversation is not to say the right thing at the
right time, but to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment” – which is the stoic pact
of maintaining diplomacy.

Mr. C.P. Rajiv Menon
Vice- President - Corporate Affairs