It amazes me with Real Estate clients, peer level relationships, and life relationships how people can turn into a weasel on you. They can cancel appointments without telling you, not do what they say, and become a master in indirect communication. You hear of bosses firing people through email or breakups in love relationships by texting. How crass is that? With difficult confrontations we can move forward however with tactfulness and diplomacy and not let ourselves become weasels.
Give a Little to Get Along and Don't Be a Weasel
It is the fine act of being tactful. Here are a few phrases to try and get things done without hurting another's feelings.
1. Say, it seems to me the problem is..
2. My concern is this...
3. Please explain this to me. Maybe I am not understanding this...
4. I can't agree with you, but you are entitled to your opinion...
5. Excuse me, I am not through, just allow me a little more time to finish my point..
6. You are too upset now, let me discuss this more later with you...
7. I don't feel comfortable talking about that...
8. Maybe I failed to make myself clear ....
9. I can see why you feel that way...
10. What would you think I should do in this case?....
There are many bridging statements or questions you can come up with in being tactful with people in keeping an open dialogue with them to resolve confrontation and disputes. We can have our differences with others many times in life. It is a real art form to disagree without being disagreeable. The trick is to remain calm, not go negative, and the BIGGIE, always respect the other person for his or her perspective. It is not easy when they get loud, belligerent, nasty, disrespect us, use profanity, or are in our face. Remember no one can MAKE you mad if you are in control of yourself.
Don't be a weasel in your life like so many others. YOU be the light that the world so needs to see shining back at them. Amazingly, you being calm, will calm them down. It works every time. Try it. I can see your bright self already there. Bright in intelligence. Bright in love.
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