basic rules of conduct in diplomacy

> Diplomacy is always about making friends; never say anything that is unfriendly.

> Diplomacy is about being even-handed at all times; never take sides at anytime.

> Diplomacy is about contributing towards peace; forever hold your piece if you do not have anything constructive to contribute.

> Diplomacy is about being tactful on every occasion; never be indiscreet.

> Diplomacy is about being cautious every time; never try to be clever anytime.
So, it's basically common sense, but common sense is not so common, right?

But then again, it's really about how you want to position yourself in the situation. in business dealings as an example, you would want to be diplomatic, and be on the winning side of the deal at the same time. so, in this case, you want to be tactful, you want to be cautious, you would want to show that you want to be friends, and you want to show that the deal is for the benefit of all the parties involved.

So far, in my line of work at least, i find that being diplomatic is the key to getting things done. i am basically the middleman between the dealers (which are our business partners) and my company (the principle). so, that's the reason for all the tea and coffee and late night sessions with them. a lot of business deals have been closed and a lot of agreements have been reached over cups and mugs of teh tarik and coffee.

And the formula is again pretty much the same; you want to show the other party that you're a friend, that you come in peace, that you're on their side (ok, this is called politicking), you need to be tactful, you need to maneuver well, and you need to be cautious all the time (especially when dealing with sales people).

I believe that most of the things we have to go through on a daily basis should be done diplomatically;well, we all attend meetings, and do business presentations and attend discussions of some sort, and we all have bosses. You don't have to become a big-no-good-ass-kissing-bastard, all you need to do is be diplomatic, and make sure you do it with tact.

But again, in making or closing a deal, well, basically in dealing with people for whatever reason, you need to understand that not everyone is a diplomat.