NOTE: The contents herein is the culminating sequel to my earlier posting on EFFICACY Of MODEST WISDOM. The word TACT (in this article) actually sums up the elements manifesting the combination of modesty and wisdom as the enigmatic leadership acumen.

I would describe tact as a careful skill in dealing with others or with difficult issues. This elaboration includes diplomacy. Now, let’s view other sourced definitions:

* Ability to avoid upsetting or offending people by being careful not to say or do things that would unnecessarily hurt their feelings (Collins Dictionary).

* Using judgement to be sensitive to the thoughts, needs and beliefs of others. E.G. if someone has recently received bad news, you’ll need to take it into account when talking with him (https://www.onlinecourseaustralia.edu.au).

A person who exudes efficacious tact for handling issues relating to counterparties manifests positive Intelligent Quotient (IQ) and Emotional Quotient (EQ), the fundaments for wisdom. In essence, tact is about the capability to deal with other people in a composed, non-condescending, diplomatic, sometimes empathetic manner….but yet assertive to reap the desired responses. It is a skill honed by committed efforts to assimilate this characteristic through sufficient exposure to relevant training and work situations.

A tactful protagonist does not necessarily reflect softness in discourse style, neither being too accommodative to recalcitrants who refuse to accept plausible reasoning. Being empathetic to understand the concerns of a counterparty can help to assert the right messge across without creating conflict or animosity. The efficacious tactful approach brings in the right results – that’s demonstration of IQ and EQ.

Here are some ways to enhance tact in our communication demeanour:

* Think before we speak. * Know when and where to talk. * Choose our words wisely. * Mind our body language. * Manage our emotions. (source: https://www.ine.com)

Dr. Donna Thomas-Rodgers (who developed The Theory of Personal Accountability) shares her pointers for the deployment of tact:

* Be polite and respectful. For example, wearing a baseball cap in church is tactless. * Seek to understand, then be understood. * Actively listen when others are talking to you. * Ask effective questions. * Speak calmly. * Solicit feedback. * Be objective and gather facts.

Tactful leaders apply a structured process to win the cohesive support of subordinates and peers. Allow me to share a method in sequential order which I picked up from a leadership programme, as follows:

(1) Structured Communication to draw in…..> (2) Willing Cooperation (from subordinates and peers) to participate in…..> (3) Committed Coordination (by all team members), catering for…..> (4) Interactive Fellowship (on the progress trail to-date) to achieve…..> (5) One Accord toward attainment of the desired objectives.

The key idea of the above cited process is to attain the ultimate ONE-VISION incorporating the US FACTOR!

I conclude this writeup by highlighting a caveat, that deploying tact in interaction does not imply giving in to a recalcitrant counterparty’s inflexible demeanour and disposition. Invariably every organisation may house a few hardcore inviduals. These are the ones a prudent leader has to stand steadfast when dealing with them. If needed so, the leader must plan the best way to resolve the hindrances – by managing out subordinates who are utter deadwoods; and to those who are willing but yet unaccustomed to their respective present role, sincere efforts should be made to re-assign them to more fitting responsibilities via encouragement, not coercion.

Remember: TACT relates to WISDOM, resulted by efforts to groom oneself for enhancement of IQ and EQ.

Quote by revered historical Greek philosopher Socrates……“ I cannot teach anybody anything. I can only make them think.“ Yes, inspiring another person to think proactively and reflect positively is sheer tact. 

Allow me to end with a humorous cartoon regarding tact.

 

THE EFFICACY OF MODEST WISDOM

(Foreword: This article is aimed at exhorting corporate officers who aspire to be top-echelon leaders. Astute leaders hone in themselves prudence coupled with modesty through proper structured training, sufficient work exposure (varied experiences), and having undergone different life (personal and work) trials. In simpler words, “genuine” leaders exude modest wisdom.)

WISDOM – a short 6-letter word that many individuals know in plain understanding, but without grasping the wide comprehensive perspectives. Sound confusing? Not surprising if you readers feel so.....as wisdom itself is an elaborate mental frame that extends to holistic parameters, encompassing various related elements.

The best definition comes from Aristotle, a historical renown Greek sage (384 BC – 322 BC) revered for his philosophy plus broad knowledge across various fields such as physics, biology, psychology, mathematics, metaphysics, politics etc. (https://iep.utm.edu). His macro narratives of wisdom is ....... knowing the right timing, using the right words, applying the right strategies, making the right decisions, for the right purposes, and for the right reasons. Profound statement, isn’t it? The adjective “right” added to the various elements reminds me of the definition of “efficacy”, which is doing the right things, in the right way, continually.

Interestingly, narratives shared by Collins Dictionary, Wikipedia, and Dictionary.Com complement the enlightenment of Socrates by highlighting wisdom as.........

* Utilising knowledge, experience, understanding, common sense, and insight (Collins).

* The ability to deal with contradictions of a specific situation (Wikepedia).

* Knowledge is knowing what to say. Wisdom is knowing when to say it (Dictionary.Com).

I like to add on to the third pointer with this adage: “Wisdom is knowing when to say it and how to say it in the right way.” In simpler postulation, wisdom much entails discretion and discernment. Wisdom also relates to the following personal attributes:

# Aspire to hone holistic perceptions concerning an important subject or issue that has bearing to the outcome (whether positive or negative), depending on the decided action to be taken based on holism, i.e. covering consideration of all interconnected factors before concluding which aspects are important.

# Notable IQ (Intelligent Quotient) level. IQ can be sharpened via intense work exposure cum undergoing training and guidance.

# A wise person also possesses the disposition of composure and calmness. Simply put, he does not lose his cool despite encountering circumstantial odds. He takes some quiet moments to contemplate on the appropriate action for embarkation.

# Willingness to listen is an added asset. Perhaps a peer or subordinate may have valid information not known to others but pertinent to the particular subject. It is prudent to hear what peers and subordinates feel about a proposal before deciding to implement; also prudent to cascade the impression to the team that their joint contributions in the name of team spirit are important to the project.

# Wise leaders are modest in portraying themselves. They refrain from unnecessary revealing their capabilities – not “blowing own trumpet”, so to speak. They win trust from others they work with via building close rapport. They recognise others’ contribution. It is about prioritising team successs over personal recognition. Modest leaders are not afraid to admit mistakes, seek feedback, and delegate when or where necessary.

Modesty in leadership is reflected by the following ways:

> Enhances team dynamics and collaboration. Valuing inputs or contributions by others lead to teamwork, instilled by a shared sense of purpose. A modest personality realises his strengths and shortcomings, but harnesses the strengths (for positioning forward) in an unassuming manner whilst seeking ways to fine tune the shortcomings. He does not show off his acumen unnecessarily. Rather, he expresses his points across to others in a diplomatic tone. He secures understanding from his counterparts instead of exerting command. He draws in the win-win (“we win together” slogan) situation. Yes, a wise cum modest leader think and act for lasting objectives albeit may be gradual. He knows quick zoom-up results will only be temporary.

An example of a modest wise people’s leader in history is Mahatma Ghandi, who was instrumental in paving the way for India’s independence from British rule. According to John Mattone Global (https://johnmattone.com), Ghandi’s legacy expounds leading change through non-violence. He championed non-violent resistance to the British rule, proving that authentic leadership is about influence rather than control. He believed that a leader must live by example, choosing a service life over material wealth despite being born into a well-off family and a lawyer by qualification. His servant leadership approach was not about personal power but to serve the people, at the same time also empowering others. He was able to inspire unity across religious and social divisions. He was a good communicator who knew his strengths and weaknesses inside out.

I now conclude by sharing some quotes of wisdom by Ghandi and two other sources......

(Ghandi): ** There goes my people, I must follow them, for I am their leader. ** A sign of a good leader is not how many followers you have, but how many leaders you create. ** Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will. ** The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong. ** The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.

(BrainyQuote): ** A superior man is modest in his speech, but exceeds in his actions. ** Modest doubt is called the beacon of the wise.

(Socrates): ** The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing (meaning – acknowleding one’s ignorance is the starting point for intellectual enquiry on a subject).