Diplomacy is everything leaders do to advocate for their nation’s interests around the world. This includes leveraging a vast array of foreign policy tools, from sanctions and foreign aid to military intervention and back-channel discussions. But the most critical aspect of diplomacy is the art of negotiation.
The best diplomats know that communication methods and the timing of a discussion can have a big impact on its outcome. For example, it’s generally better to talk about a sensitive issue in person than over the phone or email. That way, you can choose the right moment to deliver feedback in a calm, rational way.
A skilled diplomat can also improvise to find solutions when the conversation gets stuck. A tactful diplomatic response may involve suggesting a plausible reason for someone’s mistake or offering constructive criticism that’s delivered in a positive tone.
Great diplomats also understand that the outcomes of a meeting should be clearly communicated to their partners. They can summarize the results in an email or other form of written communication to ensure everyone is clear about where the conversation went and what steps are next. This allows staff members to prepare for the next meeting and ensure that their senior counterparts are aware of the progress made in negotiations. In addition, they’re able to build consensus in the meetings they attend by making their fellow leaders feel like they’ve come up with a solution themselves. This makes them more likely to be invited back for future dialogues.