It is difficult to maintain positive relationships with everyone we come in contact with. Often times we may feel challenged in learning the complexities of the individuals we may have to interact with on a daily basis and as such may miss an opportunity to motivate or lead them in an efficient manner.
Part of being a good leader is of course being emotionally intelligent and knowing when is the right time to speak or keep it shut. Keeping quiet in sensitive situations is not about being afraid to share your opinion, in fact, being smart is the correct way to stay politically neutral and not reduce your chance of career success.
Reduce Conflict
Nothing stirs up a bad situation like words taken out of context. In the midst of a particularly difficult situation try to not indicate favor for any of the parties involved.
Try to move towards negotiation, if possible excluding yourself as the judge and strategically becoming the mediator instead. When this issue is finally solved you cannot be used as a scapegoat in case of any grouses on any side.
If you don’t have anything good to say then don’t say anything at all.
Protect your Image
What is said to one person can be repeated. Unless you plan to deny, deny, deny – think carefully about anything you are about to say. Ensure if it is repeated, you won’t have to grab a box and empty out your locker. You cannot be right in all instances but you can be as correct as possible when making your opinions or findings known. Try to offer information that can be backed up by facts when it is called for and leave the opinionated ramble for hanging out at the bar with your friends.
They say you can keep your mouth closed and be thought of as an idiot, or open your mouth and prove it.
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Joedian Reid is a software developer with a more human side. In addition to her love for the in-animate and millions of lines of code, she likes writing – words. As a freelance writer, she has written thousands of words for clients over the globe in product/business and technical content.
Follow and gain insights as she turns her freelance writing into a hobby to enlighten others along the path of her own career.
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