The Power of Diplomacy: Nurturing Relationships with Careful Communication

To maintain valued relationships, try using diplomacy in your conversations. There is a stage in life when we must use attractive words that speak to the truth without injuring the feelings of others. For instance, instead of saying, ‘You’re always late,’ you could say, ‘I appreciate your effort to be punctual.’ Some things that could promote relational justice in our affairs include learning not to condemn people’s actions.

Next, we should protect people’s values, egos, and intelligence. In his book, “How to Win Friends and Influence People,” Carnegie said, ‘When you strike a direct blow at people’s intelligence, judgment, pride, and self-respect… It will never make them want to change their mind.’ Instead, they will go positional, and that session will be over if they are in a negotiation.

We should learn not to criticize people before their loved ones, subordinates, and superiors. Instead, we should give feedback to people privately concerning their actions or inactions while respecting their values.

Lastly, Carnegie admonished people not to tell them they were wrong because when we do, we will likely acquire more foes and enemies than friends. We should learn to correct with love and respect, which could help people turn around more quickly than using the harmer. Let us always watch and bridle our tongues. This advice aligns with many religious teachings, such as those in the scriptures. Grace and peace!!!