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lol, funny talking about diplomacy on the least likely place to encounter it (typically).

My career requires the highest level of diplomacy in business dealings. Apparently I'm the best diplomat in the office with the exception of my boss who's a genius business man. A lot of my success in his organization can be chalked up to knowing how to resolve conflicts, whether it's between employees or other business entities, and knowing when and how to apply pressure on people without making them feel like they're being directed. To persuade and manipulate without making people feel like they've been taken advantage of. Sometimes, being diplomatic means you eat shit and bite your tongue. That's the part that makes me insane sometimes. I have to keep my opinion to myself a lot at work, make it seem like I'm giving in or bending to someone's will, in order to achieve the desired end result. Sometimes, I'm required to just bend over and take it in the ass grinning and bearing it. It sucks for the ego but it gets the work done and it's advanced me nicely and put me at the top of the ladder. Just swallow it!

I just wanted to share, and see if anyone else has to be the diplomat. Sometimes though... I really admire the guys who never budge or never bother with carefully phrasing their opinions... or anything for that matter.

No. As a matter of fact, it's considered a weakness in my line of work. Definitely don't ask for an opinion unless you're ready to hear the truth.

During college it was all about the PC/diplomacy shit. It was a tough (but very fast) less I learned- say what you think at all times.

Workers need to be treated extra stern because in their culture, that's the way it is. The workers won't respect you unless you're a damn slave driver. Interesting thread.

Lloyd Blankfein wrote:No. As a matter of fact, it's considered a weakness in my line of work. Definitely don't ask for an opinion unless you're ready to hear the truth.

During college it was all about the PC/diplomacy shit. It was a tough (but very fast) less I learned- say what you think at all times.

Workers need to be treated extra stern because in their culture, that's the way it is. The workers won't respect you unless you're a damn slave driver. Interesting thread.

Agreed about being stern with workers, but in my particular industry that is network and referral business heavy, if you want to resolve conflict and/or get several entities on board with a particular new line of business/protocol... you gotta be diplomatic or you will get nowhere.

I used to put skill points in diplomacy.

Then I realized it was easier to stab them and take what I want.

Mike LX-R wrote:

Lloyd Blankfein wrote:No. As a matter of fact, it's considered a weakness in my line of work. Definitely don't ask for an opinion unless you're ready to hear the truth.

During college it was all about the PC/diplomacy shit. It was a tough (but very fast) less I learned- say what you think at all times.

Workers need to be treated extra stern because in their culture, that's the way it is. The workers won't respect you unless you're a damn slave driver. Interesting thread.

Agreed about being stern with workers, but in my particular industry that is network and referral business heavy, if you want to resolve conflict and/or get several entities on board with a particular new line of business/protocol... you gotta be diplomatic or you will get nowhere.

These workers will literally try to mutiny the foremans if the foremans don't whip ass (sometimes literally).

I have a friend who does the same stuff I do. His foremans are bad mothers and I'm certain there has been ass whippings in the past. They all look like drug cartel mexicans, too. Ostrich boots, crisp wranglers, cowboy hats. Real bad mofos. The boss (my friend) is nice as can be though. Good cop/bad cop I suppose.

As far as resolving conflict goes, between workers you just let them figure it out. If they want to yell, fight, kiss or whatever I don't care. These are grown men. Between superior and worker it's simple resolve- either do the task or pack your shit and get the fuck off my parcel.

ovid9 wrote:I used to put skill points in diplomacy.

Then I realized it was easier to stab them and take what I want.