If there is one leadership trait that people struggle with,
it is Tact. However, if there is one
leadership tool that will earn you more bang for your buck, it is Tact. When you treat your subordinates
respectfully, you will earn their respect and trust.
The Marine Corp defines Tact as “the ability to deal with
others in a manner that will maintain good relations and avoid offense.” More simply stated, tact is the ability to
say and do the right thing at the right time.
This is especially important for a Leader. When you are in charge, you can demean your
subordinates without repercussion – what can they say to you? This is doubly true in an organization like
the Marine Corps, where there is true power with rank and position. This is why Marine leaders are taught to use
Tact in dealing with their subordinates.
When you are tactful, you consistently treat peers, seniors,
and subordinates with respect and courtesy.
This is a sign of maturity and civility.
It is not, despite what many people may think, a sign of weakness. Instead, Tact allows commands, guidance, and
opinions to be expressed in a constructive and beneficial manner. This deference must be extended under all
conditions regardless of your true feelings.
Tact does not require you keep quiet - you are allowed to criticize
and correct. You just have to do so in
an appropriate manner.
There are multiple reasons for this. First, from a purely leadership perspective,
if you constantly criticize in a harsh manner, your words will eventually fall
on deaf ears. In some ways, this is like
the boy who cried wolf – if you are always critical towards and berate your subordinates,
you will become the boss that is never happy.
Now, your criticism is meaningless because, from your subordinates’
perspective, you are the problem.
Second, no one will respect you or want to follow you if you
are caustic and critical. Let’s look at Simon
Cowell from American Idol fame. He was
nasty, abusive and downright mean to the contestants on that show. Tell me, would you want to work for him? No one in their right mind would.
Click through for a discussion on how Leaders can be Tactful.
If you want to be a Tactful Leader, try using some of these
methods:
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Criticize in Private – No one wants to be demeaned or
yelled at in front of their peers. If
you need to come down on a subordinate for an error, do so in private. We all want to keep our dignity, and leveling
criticism in private allows your subordinate to keep his.
Be Constructive In Your Criticism – Telling someone
that they screwed up is only half of the issue – you need to tell them how to
do it right. Very few people will make
mistakes on purpose. So, when you
criticism your subordinate’s action, you need to tell him what he should have done
instead. Do not make him guess.
Stay Calm – Okay, this is often easier said than
done. But you need to remain in
control. If you lose control of your
emotions, you will not be productive.
When you lose your temper, there is nothing positive to be gained from the
discussion.
Do Not Make You Criticism Personal – Do not insult or
belittle your subordinate. Once you do,
the entire discussion is lost. Stick to
the facts, the situation and the behavior you are addressing. Personal insults will not correct the problem
or develop a sense of trust between you and your subordinate.
Remember, being Tactful is about being respectful. A good Leader will be able to address
shortcomings in a way that doesn’t make his subordinate feel demeaned or
insulted. A Leader will focus on how to
correct the behavior and improve his employee.
So, can you be Tactful? Sure you can - just treat your people the way you want to be treated.
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