An office supervisor called an assistant in to give her the bad news that she was being fired. His opening statement: "Miss Jones, I really don't know how we're going to get along without you, but starting Monday, we're going to try."
Tact is the art of making a point without making an enemy. The best advice is to say the right thing or say nothing. Choose your words carefully. As Harry Truman put it: "Tact is the ability to step on a man's toes without messing up the shine on his shoes."
Tact is especially important in delivering bad news. Handled correctly, tact can build credibility and strengthen your reputation, while preserving existing relationships. A tactful approach demonstrates professionalism and good manners. Without tact, we lose friends and other relationships, respect, work and money.
Often, we are so focused on achieving results that we forget how we come across to other people. Seek out a group of people you trust who can give you valuable feedback on your communication skills.
It's important to note that tact is more than language. Tact includes body language such as pacing or facial expressions — frowns, sighs or a rolling of eyes.
Sometimes tact involves sugarcoating messages so they are easier to hear. Even then, you must be careful not to overdo the syrup, or the message may get lost.
But what it does not include is dishonesty.
According to an old story, two rival hatters visited President Abraham Lincoln, each of whom presented him with a product. After the presentation, both hatters stood back expectantly awaiting Lincoln's comments.