In an era where blunt communication can hurt feelings and lead to conflict, diplomacy is a useful tool to know. It’s not just for politicians; anyone can use it to improve their relationships in work, friendships and even daily interactions while out and about. Diplomacy is about considering the feelings of others and aiming to find solutions that meet everyone’s needs. It’s also about being honest and letting people know what you think — especially if that opinion is negative or controversial.
In a broader sense, diplomacy is the way that governments conduct business with each other and with non-governmental organizations and international bodies like the United Nations or the European Union. It’s a process that has probably existed as long as human civilization itself and is still essential to international relations today, both in the form of formal diplomatic exchanges and more informal, non-governmental activities.
The word “diplomacy” comes from the ancient Greek diplo (a paper folded double) and pol
Great diplomats build solid relationships that allow them to raise difficult subjects in the right setting and at the right time. They speak with measured language and know how to emphasize important points without sounding condescending or insulting. They also use appropriate communication methods to convey their message, such as face-to-face conversations over the phone or in person instead of emails or text messages.