I remember while doing my management course we often came acroos two words and that too qiute frequently, 'tactful' n diplomacy'. To me they have remained to be words that I could never comprehend. Even now when I have actually found the litteral meaning with the help of Thesaurus.
Tactful means, discerning,diplomatic,discreet and sometimes even considerate while diplomatic means smooth suave etc.
So now lets have a situation here to clarify what these words mean?
Lets say I have to step on some ones toes to reach some where and its mandatory to reach there. So now if I do step on some one's toe and yet gag his mouth so that I dont get to hear his scream (and scream he will mind you, if I do happen to step on his toes)and no one else hears it. Will you call that tactful, diplomatic.
Or do I make such arrangements that when I do step on his toes he does not feel the pain. (May be I somehow manage to insulate his feet from the pain that I am being forced to inflict on him)
Point that have to be kept in mind;I dont have a grudge on this guy, I simply have to and must step on his toes.
Why dont you be the judge of it.
Looking forward to your response.
shunya2
I think you have cracked it perfectly. That explanation you have given illustrates beautifully the difference between diplomacy and tact. When someone is tactful, there is usually a selfish motive somewhere along the line. Diplomacy may be used just to facilitate some thing, though not necessarily for any personal gain.