This is our Word of the Week vlog! The word for this week is TACT.
Definition:
1. a keen sense of what to say or do to avoid giving offense; skill in dealing with difficult or delicate situations.
2. a keen sense of what is appropriate, tasteful, or aesthetically pleasing; taste; discrimination. 3. skill or judgment in handling difficult or delicate situations; diplomacy.
Tact is a word I like and appreciate. It is a word that I feel is essential in a business person’s vocabulary – in anyone’s vocabulary.
When you apply tact or act in a tactful manner, you instinctively grasp the situation and put everyone at ease by being able to say the right thing at the right time. Moreover, you lead others into acting in positive ways by easing potentially uncomfortable situations. Being tactful is an instantaneous act which involves a holding back of judgment and is a measured action.
I’m somewhat taken back by the lack of tact on people’s part these days and I don’t think I’m alone here. I think as a business person you really need to examine this and be very conscious of being tactful on all levels of business (customers/client and employees). I feel lack of tact is just plain rudeness, of which I have very little, if no, patience for. It’s about having regard for people’s feeling and that is just life skills 101to me. It comes down to respect; respect for other and self-respect.
I could sight countless examples on a business-to-business level of the lack of tact we experience and I have to say it’s very disheartening, but the good experiences far outweigh the poor and sometimes shocking ones; I still feel there’s great hope in this world.
So, my entrepreneurial and small business friends, what are your thoughts on tact? You can share an example when tact was applied well or was desperately lacking – we’d love to hear! How do you rate your tactfulness skills? Is this something that is important to you? Please share!
Thanks so much for visiting The Wrap and we hope this blog and our vlogsare helpful in some way to you.
Remember to not only say the right thing in the right place, but far more difficult still, to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment. Winston Churchill
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We are mingling minds this week, Elena! The power of language especially plays a crucial role in the world of business. Sound business practice is inextricably linked with the words that come out of our mouths and TACT can make or break many a deal. There is no quicker way to self-sabotage our success than with a lack of tact.
rob white recently posted..Life is in the Language
To even think you and I mingle minds is a humbling privilege Rob!
Your post was spot on and you’re so right with Tact. See, I’m good with the outside world!
Lack of tact can change the winds in a millisecond. I can almost put it on the same level as one’s character, although some may think it’s harsh for me to say that.
Thank you so much for taking your time to watch and comment Rob – it means a tremendous amount to me!
I hope you have the very best week good friend!
Much kindness,
Elena
Elena Patrice recently posted..Word of the Week Vlog | TACT
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I used to sit on a non-profit board with the CEO of a large medical clinic. He had a habit of calling people out on matters that should have been discussed in private. And he would do this quite frequently and this was a volunteer board mind you. He thought he might be commanding respect but for the most part the community despised him. When he got canned from his CEO position, I don’t think anybody shed a tear.
Where I err is trying to be funny at times and might say something at the wrong time. However, I can assure you I am not a rude person and try to be as socially acceptable as my friends will allow.
I think you can get your point across and say what is on your mind all the while being tactful about it. There is no place for rude in my book…..
Bill Dorman recently posted..I was almost duped into oblivion
Hello Bill!
I think we can all think back to a time when tact was lacking and probably more than once. It’s quite belittling to have no tact, like the example you site. It’s the whole “small minds” thing for me.
There are many alternative and more effective ways to get your point across and rudeness is the absolute least attractive thing in my opinion.
Thank you for your comment and example – you’re always so thoughtful to stop by and visit (and I’m always grateful you did!!).
Wishing you a week as wonderful as you are my friend!!
Much kindness,
Elena
P.S. – Thanks for the “tactful” tip earlier!
You’re the bestest (I know … it’s not a word! 
).
Elena Patrice recently posted..Word of the Week Vlog | TACT
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Twitter: thejackb
says:
I am known among my friends for being someone who will shed tact and speak out on things with reckless abandon but I tend to be cautious in business settings.
That is not to say that I won’t do it on a personal level because I do but I would be lying if I said that I never get a little salty in speech.
Jack@TheJackB recently posted..What I Should Be Writing
Now, I should have made a disclaimer … On a personal level, I’m definitely known for being as some say “outspoken” “in-your-face” “bold”, etc., as I am not demure about passionate and taboo subjects (religion, politics, etc.).However, I know when to hold my tongue and am keenly aware of people’s feelings almost to a fault … I’ve tempered much as I get up in the years too!
With you, it’s that whole “moth to the flame” thing I wrote on your post. I don’t know … but I happen to like salt and spices … it is the glory of life I think!
I think you’re pretty OK there Jack!
Thank you so much for taking your time to watch and comment; I truly appreciate you!
Much kindness,
Elena
Elena Patrice recently posted..Word of the Week Vlog | TACT