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Program Description
We have all been awed by someone who always seems to know what to say and how to say it in any
situation. These people know how to communicate with diplomacy, tact and confidence. Research
conducted by Mike Poskey at ZERORISK HR indicates that successful leaders employ the emotional
intelligence competencies called “social skills and political correctness.” These abilities have an
important impact on all areas of life.
This program is designed to improve leadership by developing the ability to communicate with
diplomacy and tact. We will be covering five objectives:
Program Objectives
Program Overview
This program is organized into four sessions that will help you to build confident, professional
communication skills that apply to any personal or business situation.
Session 1: The Importance of Attitude and Image – how our attitudes and image appear to others
and what we can do to improve both
Session 2: Words + Actions = Credibility – how to increase trust, credibility and respect through the
use of appropriate words and actions
Session 3: Build Rapport and Positive Relationships – how to build rapport and strengthen
relationships along with being a better listener and honoring diversity
Session 4: Cultivate Power without Being Intimidating – how to effectively use emotional control
to sustain our success
Session 1:
The Importance of
Attitude and Image
Learning Objectives
At the completion of this session, you will be
able to:
Discover where you are on the professional image scale and how to use it
—Gerry Faust
Instructions: Select the response that most closely matches the way you would respond to the situation.
1. A colleague of yours, in a fun way, gives your boss the impression that you spend too much
time on personal business.
a. You say nothing to your colleague.
b. You tell your colleague that you know he was only kidding but you would appreciate it if he
would not do this again.
c. You make a point to tell the boss that this colleague left early on Tuesday to go play golf.
2. A customer tells you how disappointed she is that you did not return the message she left with
a colleague. You realize you never got the message.
a. You apologize to the customer and say nothing to your colleague.
b. You let your colleague save face by telling him you spoke to the client. You understand how
the message might have fallen through the cracks given how busy he is.
c. You tell your colleague that this is unacceptable and it better not happen again.
3. Your manager/supervisor/boss gives you a less than average review that surprises you.
a. You go home and vent to family and friends.
b. You calmly discuss the review and ask for clarification. You come up with an action plan
and incremental review times so you are not caught off-guard again.
c. You storm out of the office and tell your colleague how unfair your boss is
4. One of your team members puts a picture on Facebook of himself inappropriately dressed.
a. You don’t say anything except behind his back.
b. You hold a private conversation with this person and explain your concern for his
reputation, assuring him that you know he did not intend to make a bad impression.
c. You tell this person, in a meeting, that you think posting the picture is unacceptable.
5. You are berated in a meeting for being late. The reason you are late is that you lost your
internet connection and didn’t realize it until just a minute or two before the meeting started.
a. You take the blame.
b. You apologize for the disruption, briefly explain the situation, and commit to checking in
earlier, particularly on days of important meetings.
c. You insist this is not your fault.
6. You submitted an expense report and it seems like it is taking an unusually long time to receive
reimbursement.
a. You do nothing and just wait.
b. You call your manager and ask what you can do to make sure it was received, if there is
additional information needed, and when you might expect it.
c. You tell your co-workers and accuse the company of trying to rip you off.
7. The company has announced that bonuses will be given out today, and later that day a
colleague asks you how much yours was.
a. You tell her even though you know you should not.
b. You tell her you are uncomfortable sharing this because it is supposed to be kept
confidential.
c. You tell her than asking this question is very unprofessional.
8. You catch a typographical error on a letter that your team member has sent to a client.
a. You ignore it – it’s just a little one and the customer probably won’t notice.
b. You bring the mistake to your team member’s attention and suggest that she corrects it
and resends.
c. You tell your team member that there is no excuse for these types of mistakes.
9. A vital member of your team has called in sick every Friday for the past three weeks.
a. You don’t say anything and continue to cover for him.
b. You hold a private meeting with him on Monday morning, show concern for his pattern,
and ask for input on a solution.
c. You tell him that this looks very suspicious and he better not do it again.
10. A person in your office tells an inappropriate joke in an email.
a. You delete it immediately.
b. You contact this person privately and tell her that you know she didn’t mean to offend
anyone but she should be more sensitive and professional in such a diverse environment.
c. You send back a response to all letting her know that this was completely inappropriate.
Notes
Two or more “A” responses: You may have a tendency to interact timidly or passively with others
Two or more “C” responses: You might have a tendency to be aggressive or combative in your
communications with others
The more “B” responses you have, the greater indication that you have a confident and assertive
interpersonal style.
My Observations
What patterns emerge from your results?
Most of us appreciate boldness and confidence as long as it is not communicated with insensitivity.
Confident communication is a human relations approach that combines strength and sensitivity.
Research on communication styles will commonly place people into one of four categories:
Friendly
Casual, amiable, relationship-focused, helpful, warm, from the heart; likes positive feedback
Analytical
Formal, methodical, systematic, logical, data-oriented; seeks answers, details, and solutions; likes
evidence
Excitable
Demonstrative, expressive, uses gestures, paints the big picture, and likes to hear what’s in it for them
Dominating
Efficient, focuses on goals and objectives, strong viewpoints and opinions, decisive, likes to be
presented with options
KNOWLEDGE
Notes
Diplomacy:
Tact:
How people perceive us plays a big part in our ability to communicate effectively with, and influence
them. Showing a lack of professionalism may cause others to perceive us as aloof and too casual. Excessive
professionalism may give the appearance that we are too rigid or unapproachable.
Reflect on what type of image you would like to portray. What will it take for you to achieve this?
In the left column below, write in several words that describe your desired image. Next in the right column, write
in some of the behaviors you will have to demonstrate so that others perceive you as desired.
Image Behavior
Notes
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First Impressions
D A L E C A R N E G I E ® D I G I T A L | 11
Impact of a Message
Albert Mehrabian, PhD and UCLA Professor conducted a 10 year study of nonverbal communication. He
found that when words disagree, or are incongruent with the tone of voice or non-verbal actions, we
tend to believe the non-verbal behavior (or visual cues).
Non-verbal Cues
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Non-verbal Behaviors of Others
What positive non-verbal and verbal messages will I commit to using over the next week?
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When We’re not Face-to-Face
What other social media or virtual meeting communication tools do you use?
How can you make sure you are making the right impression?
What are some of the things you can do to make sure your communication is diplomatic and tactful
when you are not face to face?
Next Steps
Ask for feedback about body language and non-verbal cues you demonstrate
Be prepared with a statement next time about what you learned from the feedback
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Session Two:
Words + Actions =
Credibility
Learning Objectives
At the completion of this session, you
will be able to:
D A L E C A R N E G I E ® D I G I T A L | 15
Being Open to Feedback
A challenging aspect of maintaining a professional image and handling any situation with diplomacy
and tact is developing our ability to see ourselves as others see us. We are often more critical of
ourselves than other people are of us. We are also often unaware of negative behaviors that may have
an impact on others that we need to correct.
Cast yourself in the role of coach and mentor. Become more conscious of the impressions you are
forming about others and try to isolate your behaviors that contribute to their perceptions of you.
Practice sharing your observations in a diplomatic, tactful and constructive way.
Report Back
Reflecting on your commitment to apply some of the concepts from the previous session, and the
feedback you received over the past week on your communication style, write a brief statement to
report your insights to the group.
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Credibility: When Words and Actions Don’t Match
Credibility is an often overused word these days and unfortunately misused. We’ll hear from a reporter quoting a
“credible source” that some event has occurred, only to find out later that the “credible source” was in on a scam.
How often do we question the credibility of a job applicant? We rely on a resume for honest information about
employment history, experience and education, but do we validate it?
Who is one person that you find credible? What words or actions from him/her lead you to believe this?
What recent examples show a mismatch between words and actions causing you to question someone’s
credibility?
D A L E C A R N E G I E ® D I G I T A L | 17
Gaining Trust, Credibility, and Respect
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Gaining Trust, Credibility, and Respect Principles
1. Take others’ interests to heart—ask questions, learn what motivates them, and help them to
learn and grow.
2. Listen sincerely—with your ears, eyes, and heart—and without prejudice and judgment.
4. Involve others in decisions; display an open and accepting attitude, and be receptive to new
ideas.
5. Be willing to negotiate and compromise, and be a mediator between others who have different
points of view.
6. Think before speaking. Consider the audience, relationship, and environment when choosing
your words and actions.
7. Use inclusive language and communicate with diplomacy, tact, and sensitivity.
8. Speak confidently, decisively, and with authority, and offer evidence when stating opinions.
12. Refrain from mood swings. Act consistently, rationally, fairly, honestly, and ethically.
13. Be a stellar role model—act professionally and always walk the talk.
14. Demonstrate trust in others—reveal your own thoughts and feelings frankly and openly.
19. Deal directly with others. Do not partake in gossip and never talk behind someone’s back.
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Gaining Trust, Credibility, and Respect Worksheet
A. Identify key people in your life with whom you need to gain trust, credibility, and/or respect.
B. On a scale from 1-10, grade the level of trust, credibility, and respect you have built with each.
C. Prioritize the top three people you will focus on first in building trust, credibility and respect.
Name 1:
What leads you to believe that there is a lack of trust, credibility, and respect?
Why is it important that you build trust, credibility, and respect with this person?
Which principle(s) will you apply to build trust, credibility, and respect?
Name 2:
What leads you to believe that there is a lack of trust, credibility, and respect?
Why is it important that you build trust, credibility, and respect with this person?
Which principle(s) will you apply to build trust, credibility, and respect?
20 | H o w t o C o m m u n i c a t e w i t h D i p l o m a c y a n d T a c t
Gaining Trust, Credibility, and Respect Worksheet
- continued
Name 3:
What leads you to believe that there is a lack of trust, credibility, and respect?
Why is it important that you build trust, credibility, and respect with this person?
Which principle(s) will you apply to build trust, credibility, and respect?
Notes
D A L E C A R N E G I E ® D I G I T A L | 21
Cultivating Diplomacy and Tact
The way in which we communicate can elicit positive or negative emotions. If we communicate
aggressively, without respect or sensitivity, defensive and angry emotions can prevent others from
hearing the message we are trying to convey. Communicating with diplomacy and tact is an approach
that combines strength and sensitivity and keeps negative emotions at bay.
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Cultivating Diplomacy and Tact - continued
A question I am often asked to which I want to A diplomatic and tactful way to respond could be:
reply, “No:”
A question I’m often asked that would prompt me A diplomatic and tactful way to respond could be:
to say, “I don’t know:”
A difficult question I am often asked is: A diplomatic and tactful way to respond could be:
A difficult situation in which I sometimes find A diplomatic and tactful way to handle this
myself is: situation could be:
D A L E C A R N E G I E ® D I G I T A L | 23
Handling Difficult Situations
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Contribute Our Ideas
We often find ourselves in situations at work when we need to be prepared to speak on-the-spot
about a specific topic. Reflect on the topics that tend to throw you off guard. On what topics might you
be expected to contribute your thoughts or ideas, and you want to feel better prepared?
Topic Why?
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Six Rules for Disagreeing Agreeably
1. Give others the benefit of the doubt. Maybe the person who made that outrageous
generalization isn’t really insensitive. Maybe he has had a painful experience that made him
overreact.
2. After giving someone the benefit of the doubt, listen to learn and truly understand why the
person holds this belief. We must let her know we’ve heard her and that we are genuinely trying
to see things from her perspective.
3. When disagreeing with someone, always take responsibility for your own feelings. Make a
commitment to respond using “I” statements only. When we begin with “you” we come off as
blaming and confrontational and immediately put the other person on the defensive. This
reduces the chance of our point of view being heard.
4. Use a cushion. Connect or “cushion” a different opinion, starting with “I hear what you’re saying
...” or “I appreciate your view on ...” Begin with the word “I” and not “You said ...” or it will
sound confrontational.
5. Eliminate the word “but” or “however” from your vocabulary. Once you have cushioned the
other person’s opinion, use “and,” or pause and say nothing, following the cushion.
Acknowledging the individual’s point of view followed by a “but” or “however” erases the
acknowledgement.
6. State your point of view or opinion with relevant and factual evidence. Keep emotions out of the
equation by using the following:
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Cushioning Our Opinions
When opinions differ, use cushions to “soften the blow” such as:
• But
• However
• Nevertheless
• Yet
Instead, use:
• And
• A short pause
D A L E C A R N E G I E ® D I G I T A L | 27
Finding Common Ground
When opinions differ, a mediator may be the solution to find common ground. A mediator might
facilitate discussion by saying, “That’s an interesting perspective.”
Group Activity
Instructions:
Work in groups of three: assign two
opinion givers and one mediator
Select a controversial topic with
opposing views OR one of your difficult
work situations
Using your selected topic, discuss
opposing opinions, with mediator
facilitating discussion using appropriate
cushions when needed
Prepare to share your insights in large group debrief.
Notes
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Next Steps
My commitment to apply this week:
Look for one blog or online news article with a strong opinion. Examine it for diplomacy and tact. (Keep
the URL as reference for next session.)
What is the stated opinion, and could it have been stated differently with more diplomacy and tact?
—Tom Robbins
D A L E C A R N E G I E ® D I G I T A L | 29
Notes
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Session 3: Build Rapport
and Positive Relationships
Learning Objectives
At the completion of this session, you will be able to:
D A L E C A R N E G I E ® D I G I T A L | 31
Build Rapport
Business situations often call for meeting new people and quickly establishing a connection so that each
party can accomplish their goals. Before we can do that, we have to connect with the other person on a
more basic level. So, how do you establish rapport?
What are some of the opportunities we have for engaging in small talk?
32 | H o w t o C o m m u n i c a t e w i t h D i p l o m a c y a n d T a c t
Build Positive Relationships – Get an Innerview
D A L E C A R N E G I E ® D I G I T A L | 33
The Innerview: Types of Questions
Factual Questions are typically conversational in nature and revolve around factual information.
Examples
Where did you grow up?
What kind of activities were you involved in as a kid?
Where did you go to school? What did you major in?
What did you do when you graduated?
How long have you worked here?
Tell me about your family.
What do you do for recreation?
Causative Questions determine the motives or causative factors behind some of the answers to the
“factual questions.” These are typically “why” and “what” questions.
Examples
Value-Based Questions help determine a person’s value system. They are designed to help a leader
understand the “worth” that his or her team members place on things. These are questions that people
are probably rarely asked but give a greater view of the inner person.
Examples
Tell me about a person that had a major impact on your life.
If you had it to do over again, what, if anything, would you do differently?
As you look back over your life, tell me about a turning point.
It is obvious from our discussions that you have made many accomplishments. Tell me
about something that you look back on as a “high point” or a point of pride.
You have probably also gone through some tough times. Tell me about a time that was
particularly low for you emotionally or physically. What got you through that low point?
What words of wisdom would you give a young person (a young relative) if he or she sought
your advice? How would you sum up your personal philosophy to him or her in a sentence
or two?
34 | H o w t o C o m m u n i c a t e w i t h D i p l o m a c y a n d T a c t
Listening Skills Quiz
Always Usually Occasionally Rarely
D A L E C A R N E G I E ® D I G I T A L | 35
Listening Skills Quiz - continued
Scoring
Questions 1-16
1 point Always
2 points Usually
3 points Occasionally
4 points Rarely
Questions 17-30
4 points Always
3 points Usually
2 points Occasionally
1 point Rarely
Results
105 – 120 You are a skilled listener. Obtain a second opinion to make sure you have an accurate
perception of your listening skills.
Below 75 You are brutally honest and have great potential for improvement.
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Barriers to Listening
Think of a person with whom you have difficulty communicating. What stands in your way? How are
the two of you different? Chances are these factors are acting as filters, preventing the real message
from getting through.
D A L E C A R N E G I E ® D I G I T A L | 37
Levels of Listening
Notes
When have you observed that listening, or the lack of listening on the part of the key parties has
impacted a successful outcome?
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Empathetic Listening Principles
2. Be sensitive to what is not being said. Observe body language for incongruent messages.
3. Practice patience. Do not interrupt, finish the speaker’s sentence, or change the subject.
4. Listen empathetically and listen to understand. Pretend there will be a quiz at the end.
5. Clarify any uncertainties after he or she has spoken. Make sure you understood what was said
by rephrasing what you heard.
6. Don’t jump to conclusions or make assumptions. Keep an open and accepting attitude.
7. Practice pure listening. Remove all distractions and minimize internal and external filters.
8. Turn off your mind and “be with” the speaker. Try to see things from his or her perspective.
D A L E C A R N E G I E ® D I G I T A L | 39
Value Diversity
Consider:
When have you felt offended or alienated by someone else’s remarks at work?
Think of a time you felt important to a group. Was it because of knowledge, skill, attitude, or something
else?
What knowledge is needed to work effectively on a virtual team with members located in multiple
countries?
What skills are needed when each member of a team uses different technology than others on the
team, and they all need to communicate?
What attitudes are needed to work on a cross-generational team where the age range is 22-55?
40 | H o w t o C o m m u n i c a t e w i t h D i p l o m a c y a n d T a c t
Six Steps to Become Bias-Free
Notes
D A L E C A R N E G I E ® D I G I T A L | 41
The Power of Suggestion
This excerpt was originally published in 1911 by O.S. Marden, and illustrates the fact that our words can
have significant influence on those we lead or those with whom we come in contact.
We little realize how much suggestion has to do with health. In innumerable instances people have been
made seriously ill, sometimes fatally so, by others telling them how badly they looked, or suggesting that
they exhibit symptoms associated with a dreaded disease.
A prominent New York business man recently told me of an experiment which the friends of a robust
young man made upon him. It was arranged that beginning in the morning, each one should tell him
when he came to work, that he was not looking well. They did this subtly, in a way that would not make
the man suspicious. At one o’clock this vigorous young man had been so influenced by the suggestion,
he quit work and went home ill—thoroughly convinced he must be sick.
To be sure, we are under the influence of suggestion every moment of our waking lives. Everything we
see, hear, and feel is a suggestion which produces a result corresponding to its own nature. Its subtle
power seems to reach and affect the very springs of life. It is almost impossible for a patient to get well
while people are constantly reminding him how ill he looks. What people need is encouragement, uplift
and hope!
Instead of telling a friend in trouble that you feel sorry for him, try to pull him and help to restore his
energy and reserves. Help the friend picture his ideal image, his better self. The suggestion which comes
from an enthusiastic and optimistic person can move mountains. Many a life has been stirred and
inspired by only a few moments of positive conversation. Many men and women have made their place
in history, largely because their ambition was aroused by suggestion: some book or some individual who
gave them the first glimpse of their possibility and potential, and enabled them to feel for the first time
a thrill of the power within them.
As leaders, we all can identify others throughout our careers that have helped us along our journey.
Take the extra step each day to provide an
employee with words of encouragement
and support. If you have an employee who
is still not quite producing to the level you
expect, recognize that employee for the
effort they are putting forth and for any
incremental improvement. Your words are
powerful. Because your employees look to
you for leadership, understand that your
words have the potential to either inspire
the heart or dash the dreams of those who
seek your approval.
*Used by permission from Leadership Tools,
www.leadership-tools.com
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Giving Sincere Appreciation, Praise, and
Recognition
What was the best expression of appreciation or recognition you ever received?
The Formula
A P
Accomplishments, Personality traits,
achievements, qualities,
successes strengths
D A L E C A R N E G I E ® D I G I T A L | 43
Giving Sincere Appreciation, Praise, and
Recognition - continued
Name
Recognition Reminders
Feedback Challenge
Two people (business) and one person (friends and family) to whom you will give appreciation
1.
2.
3.
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Next Steps
Conduct an Innerview with at least 2 people. Be prepared to share a short statement about who you got
to know better.
Practice your listening skills. Which principle will you apply? How will you measure whether or not it is
working?
D A L E C A R N E G I E ® D I G I T A L | 45
Notes
46 | H o w t o C o m m u n i c a t e w i t h D i p l o m a c y a n d T a c t
Session 4: Cultivate
Power without Being
Intimidating
Learning Objectives
At the completion of this session, you will be able
to:
Identify and discuss ways that negotiation and compromise can create win-win
results
Use a six-step process to help deal with emotions more effectively and maintain
your cool under pressure
D A L E C A R N E G I E ® D I G I T A L | 47
Authority and Power
Definitions
Authority: The ability to get people to do something willingly because of our personal
qualities and personal influence.
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Nine Ways to Change Behavior without Creating
Resentment
9. Make the other person happy about doing the thing you
suggest.
D A L E C A R N E G I E ® D I G I T A L | 49
Deal with Difficult Attitudes and Behaviors
Nay-Sayers: are habitually negative and hae a That will never work.
pessimestic view of the world. They may
come across as grouchy, angry, arrogant, You’ve got to be kidding!
depressed and frustrated. They may complain Want to bet?
often and criticize others.
Gossipers: find joy by being in everyone’s Did you hear what John did
business, creating diversions, and spreading yesterday?
rumors. They may say one thing to your face
and another behind your back. Pettiness can I saw him searching personal
be a sign of loneliness and work may be an information on the internet.
only source of interaction. That’s not what Sara told me.
Violinists: have a “woe is me” attitude. They I get all the hard jobs
may stay late, do extra work, then complain
about the workload. They consistently whine I was here until 9:00 p.m. last night
about how busy they are and how other trying to straighten this out.
things take priority over what you need them I don’t know when I’ll be able to get
to focus on. to this, I have three other projects.
Blamers: are quick to point the finger at I got those numbers from someone
anyone but themselves when mistakes occur. else.
They always have an answer why they are not
accountable for errors and can be expert at I was told that this was not a high
making excuses or procrastinating. priority.
50 | H o w t o C o m m u n i c a t e w i t h D i p l o m a c y a n d T a c t
Deal with Difficult Attitudes and Behaviors -
continued
Type What they might say Principles to
apply
Silent Sams: are reluctant to contribute, get Just tell me what you want me to do.
involved, or share anything about themselves.
Whether they are shy or simply do not trust Whatever you think is fine.
others, they may come across as judgmental
or may appear to be better than everyone
else.
One Uppers: no matter what you’ve said, I was top salesperson in my last job.
done, or achieved, this person has one-up on
you. These know-it-alls are often self- Let me show you a better way to do
absorbed and think very highly of themselves. that.
They are typically poor listeners because
while you are talking, they are thinking about
how they can top your story or achievement.
Which attitude types (for you personally) are the most difficult to deal with?
Record the principle numbers you may want to apply when dealing with each of these attitudes.
D A L E C A R N E G I E ® D I G I T A L | 51
When We Need to Gain Agreement: Negotiate and
Compromise
1. Have a positive attitude. Our attitude is essential to the outcome. We have a better chance
of mutual gain if we approach a negotiation as an opportunity to learn and achieve a win-
win outcome.
2. Meet on mutual ground. Find a mutually agreeable and convenient physical space to meet
that is comfortable for all. Agree on when you will meet and how much time you will
devote to the process. If possible, deal with negotiations face-to-face. Be careful about
negotiating over the phone or e-mail. A lack of facial expressions, vocal intonation, and
other cues can result in a negotiation breakdown.
3. Clearly define and agree on the issue. Agree on a statement of the issue using simple and
factual terms. If the situation is multifaceted, search for ways to slice the large issue into
smaller pieces and deal with one at a time.
4. Do your homework. Take time to plan. Know what is at stake for us and the other side’s
concerns and motivation. Take into consideration any history or past situations that might
affect the negotiations. Know the must-haves (nonnegotiable items) and nice-to-haves
(negotiable items). Determine the best resolution, a fair and reasonable compromise, and a
minimally acceptable deal.
5. Take an honest inventory of yourself. Determine your level of trust in the other person and
the process. Be conscious of aspects of your personality that can help or hinder the process.
6. Look for shared interests. Get on the same side by finding similarities. Conflict tends to
magnify perceived differences and minimize similarities, so look for common goals,
objectives, or even gripes that show you are in this together. Focus on the future, talk
about what is to be done and tackle the problem jointly.
7. Deal with facts, not emotions. Address problems, not personalities. Avoid any tendency to
attack the other person or to pass judgment. Avoid focusing on the past or blaming the
other person. Maintain a rational, goal-oriented frame of mind. This will depersonalize the
conflict, separate issues from the people involved, and minimize defensiveness.
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When We Need to Gain Agreement: Negotiate and
Compromise - continued
8. Be honest. Don’t play games. Be honest and clear about what is important to you. Be clear
and communicate why your goals, issues, and objectives are important.
9. Present alternatives and provide evidence. Create options and alternatives that
demonstrate willingness to compromise. Consider conceding in areas that might have high
value to the other person but are not that important to you. Frame options in terms of the
other person’s interests and provide evidence for your point of view.
10. Be an expert communicator. Ask questions, listen, rephrase what you heard to check for
understanding, and take a genuine interest in the other side’s concerns. Reduce tension
through humor, let the other person vent, and acknowledge other viewpoints. Focus less on
your position and more on ways you can move toward resolution or compromise.
11. End on a good note. Make a win-win proposal and check to see that everyone involved
leaves feeling that they have “won.” Shake on it, agree on action steps, responsibilities for
each step, how success will be measured, and how/when the decisions will be evaluated.
Agree to disagree on non-critical issues.
12. Enjoy the process. Look at the benefits of learning other people’s points of view. People
report that after overcoming conflict when they have reached an agreement, the
relationship grew even stronger. Reflect and learn from each negotiation. Determine the
criteria to evaluate the process and the solution.
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Giving and Receiving Constructive Feedback
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Constructive Feedback Worksheet
Situation
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Emotional Fitness Assessment
1. I am a good listener.
2. I respond to the needs of others.
3. I encourage others with praise and recognition.
4. I show appreciation.
5. I can admit when I’m wrong.
6. I can say, “I’m sorry.”
7. I feel a sense of belonging.
8. I am easy going and cooperative.
9. I am sensitive to how others feel.
10. I make it a point to be diplomatic and tactful.
11. I respect diversity.
12. I can say, “no.”
13. I can deal with change.
14. I have good time management skills.
15. I am self-motivated.
16. I am an enthusiastic person.
17. I have a positive attitude.
18. I bounce back from disappointments and setbacks.
19. I eat well and exercise.
20. I can turn to friends and family when in need.
21. I can deal with anger.
22. I am good at compromising.
23. I maintain my cool when dealing with outbursts from others.
24. I make good decisions and positive choices.
25. I surround myself with positive energy.
26. I take risks and push myself out of my comfort zone.
27. I communicate what I am feeling.
28. I am self-confident.
29. I take responsibility and can be held accountable.
30. I can be trusted.
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Emotional Fitness Scoring
If you answered “sometimes” or “most of the time” to 20 or more questions, consider yourself
emotionally fit. Focus on turning around those areas in which you answered “seldom.”
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Emotional Intelligence (EI)
Daniel Goleman, author of Emotional Intelligence and Working with Emotional Intelligence, defines
emotional intelligence as: “the capacity for recognizing our own feelings and those of others, for
motivating ourselves, and for managing emotions well in ourselves and in our relationships.”
Mike Poskey, vice president of ZERORISK HR, Inc., a Dallas-based human resources risk management
firm, identified five emotional intelligence competencies that contribute to success in the workplace.*
The first two deal with how we manage relationships. The last three deal with how we manage
ourselves.
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Positive versus Negative Emotions
Identify which of these emotions are positive or negative by placing a “P” or “N” before the word.
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Four Quadrants of Emotions
1: Intense “Negative” Emotions 2: Intense “Positive” Emotions
My “Hot” Buttons
List your hot buttons, or the negative emotions that play a significant role in your life. Next list the
thoughts and behaviors that typically go along with each of them.
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Tips for Effectively Handling Emotions
Identify the emotion and what caused you to feel that way.
Keep a journal.
Face trouble by asking yourself, “What is the worst that can happen?” Accept the worst, and try
to improve the situation.
When an emotional situation arises, ask yourself: What is the emotion? What are the causes of
the emotion? What are the possible reactions? What is the wisest reaction?
Refrain from mood swings. Act consistently under a variety of circumstances to build trust.
Eliminate stress by getting your house in order—do not let things pile up.
Keep busy.
Pick your battles—keep things in proper perspective and don’t fuss about trifles.
Cooperate with the inevitable—don’t worry about the past, and instead, focus on the future.
Give to others.
Pamper yourself.
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Six Steps to Maintaining Our Cool
1. Get cerebral. Get a handle on your thoughts and emotions and draft a note or e-mail saying
what is on your mind. Don’t send it.
2. Ask for input. Run the situation by someone impartial and ask for his / her honest point of view.
3. Get physical. Get out of the location. Take a walk or partake in some physical activity.
4. Reflect. Look at the situation from the other person’s point of view and think about how you
might have contributed to the conflict.
5. Sleep on it. Review your notes or e-mail in the morning, and decide if the situation is worth the
energy or if you can just let it go.
6. Pick your battles. Either let it go or confront the situation. Speak softly, use warm body
language, and interject some comic relief if appropriate.
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Summary
The most useful ideas I gained to communicate with diplomacy and tact:
Useful Ideas
1.
2.
3.
4.
What When
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