LEADERSHIP TRAIT – TACT Tact is the trait that allows many of others to work. It is how a leader tells the led (staff, teammates) that they aren’t living up to his expectations and yet make them feel good about themselves. Tact is what allows a leader to be smart, confident and decisive without looking like a pushy, or over clever, self centered arrogant. But it is also not about being a pushover. Tact is a ‘skill’ that enables a leader (manager, administrator) to work with others without causing conflict or offence. It means a - Sensitive mental touch; peculiar skill or faculty; nice perception or discernment; ready power of appreciating and doing what is required by circumstances. The ‘ability’ to deal with embarrassing situations carefully and without doing or saying anything that will annoy or upset other people; careful consideration in dealing with others to avoid giving offense; the ability to say the right thing. In the field of Human Resource (Relations) Management (HRM), tact is the ability to say and do the proper thing at right time in such a way that a response chord is touched. Tact involves the understanding of human psychic – nature and consideration for the feelings of others. Tact is important in all aspects of HRM. Criticism must be clear, yet constructive. It should not cause discouragement or detract from the drive and energy of the team / subordinates. Every leader cum manager needs to be tactful when advising those who approach him with embarrassing personal matters. Avoid passing judgement on these matters; since the role of leader is primarily that of a counselor. Sometimes the highest degree of tact is simply to listen with interest and understanding and permit the staff member / teammate to arrive at his own solution. A leader may suggest different options and leave the teammate to make the choice as per his own circumstances. An important aspect of tact is ‘courtesy’, which work from the top down as well as from the bottom up. To demand courtesy, and to fail to return it in full measure, indicates either arrogance or a lack of interest. The inexperienced leader sometimes feels that politeness in boss – subordinates relationship implies softness; this is not true. Courtesy stems from one’s mental attitude and is expressed in both words and actions. One leader / boss may bark out his orders impersonally and abruptly. Another may give his orders / instructions in a tone tinged with courtesy that implies the expectation of obedience; as in military terms – request means orders. Either method may get obedience, but the second of the two will get more willing obedience and cooperation. Remember, that staff, subordinates or teammates (even children too) are sensitive to barks and shouts but would react with understanding and willing obedience to orders (directives, instructions) when approached with understanding and consideration. In the times of critical crises or challenges abrupt rapid directives (instructions, orders) become desirable because they save time and there is no need to imply expected obedience, no need to do anything but a leader should make himself perfectly ‘plain, clear and forceful’. There are times (e.g. huge loss of resources may occur), too, when a hard tone can well replace a courteous tone, but even then there is no reason for outright discourtesy. At most other times a leader will find that a somewhat calm, courteous, though firm tone of speech will bring a quick response. Thus tact and courtesy are closely are closely tied in with manner, language and hearing. To Develop Tact and Courtesy it is Essential to: 1. Be Courteous, Cheerful and Considerate of others 2. Study the Biographies of Statesmen who were skilled in HRM 3. Study of Profiles / Personalities to get insight of human nature and behaviour (for 2 & 3, the Best Book is Holy Quran where Allah Almighty has discussed all types of good and bad leaders i.e. Prophets (pbuta), Pharaoh, People of Noah / Lut / Shuaib, Atheists, Polytheist, True Muslims, Hypocrites, Karon (Qaron- the rich), Abu Lahab, etc) 4. Develop the habit of cooperating in spirit as well as in fact, and maintain a tolerant attitude 5. Treat others as you desire to be treated (Golden Rule)’ 6. Know also when to be seen officially and socially. Anticipate when a leader presence or absence may embarrass him or others 7. Control the personal attitudes in public i.e. likes and dislikes, passions or anger which influence thought and actions 8. Always display a high degree of ‘self control and self restraint’ when dealing with people (led, staff, or teammates). A Tactful Leader is the one, who is Careful, Considerate, Diplomatic, Judicious, Polished, Polite, Prudent, Sensitive, Thoughtful, and Understanding ….and Not clumsy, harsh, over clever, self centered, rude, uncivil, unkind, etc. who is a ‘Tactless Leader.
Posted on: Sun, 07 Dec 2014 12:10:51 +0000
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