Diplomacy: Use these examples for setting employee performance goals. Help your employees master this skill with 5 fresh ideas that drive change.

Diplomacy is the practice of conducting negotiations and influencing decisions and behaviors of different parties through dialogue, negotiation and other mature measures that are short of violence.

Diplomacy: Set Goals for your Employees. Here are some examples:

  • Always listen to others, nod occasionally, avoid interrupting and jot down questions to ask later
  • Be open to other people's opinions and learn how to achieve common ground with those who may disagree with own views
  • Remain calm and maintain a neutral facial expression and eye contact during discussions or negotiations
  • Refrain from criticizing other employees when they don't agree with one's views and ideas
  • Avoid participating in workplace gossip, politics or other behaviors that may pin one side of the company against another
  • Demonstrate compassion, encouragement, and support to employees who disagree with a particular agenda or strategy
  • Recognize when conditions deteriorate, take proactive measures and steer the situation back to problem-solving, not sniping
  • Maintain one's calm and composure when tempers flare and be mindful of own body language
  • Acknowledge one's mistakes when they occur, apologize as soon as possible and let others know they won't happen again
  • Share credits with others for accomplishments and offer constructive feedback to help others to improve on their weak areas

Diplomacy: Improve and master this core skill with these ideas

  • Listen carefully and respectfully to your co-workers opinions. Differing in our opinions is human. We all have very different opinions and the best way to handle that is by respecting everyone's opinion. Ask questions to ensure you understand each one of them and articulate their viewpoints. This attitude tells others that you are open minded and willing to learn from others.
  • Keep away from criticizing your workers. Disagreements are a normal part of the employee life. In case you disagree with any of them, refrain from criticizing him/her. Be very careful what words you use at the heat of the moment. Strive towards developing a solution rather than making things worse by defending your own point of view.
  • Avoid participation in the office gossip or other negative behaviors. Workplace gossip happens but those who suffer under it are those who pass it along making it spread like bushfire. If you have an issue with your colleague or the management, the best you can do is to discuss it with them personally rather than give your opinions to other people.
  • Demonstrate compassion, support and encouragement to others. Take time to hear out people's stories before you can judge them and don't judge even after you listen. Show support and compassion to your colleagues to help them settle comfortably in the workplace. Do not be the one discouraging others rather be the encourager.
  • Be aware of poor working conditions and take proactive measures. When you sight poor working conditions, do not leave them unattended. Understand that by providing a functional working environment you empower your employees to achieve the set goals.

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