Responding with grace and
diplomacy is always the best policy. It is a lesson that builds upon
the saying if you can't say anything good, don't say anything at all.
It is a lesson that I use when my response has the potential to be too
heated, too emotional, unfair or belligerent. When debating and
contesting may not increase knowledge, or foster friendly relationships,
I choose this tact. Thinking like this helps me to defuse situations
and to also practice good conflict resolution.Many years ago, I bought an electronic typewriter that began to have problems shortly after purchase. I contacted the company, but was not able to resolve the issue to my satisfaction. Though I was disappointed, angry and dissatisfied, the customer service manager was graceful in her formal letters to me.
Unfortunately, their service plan never served me well, so I never purchased an item with that brand name again. I had always liked that company and they lost a customer. However, I never forgot the consistent grace with which that person used to communicate with me. Despite my angry and aggressive approach, she did not allow herself to respond in kind. It did not cause me to remain loyal to her company, but it worked to diffuse my anger. It prevented the situation from escalating, which was very helpful to me, emotionally and socially.
As you can see I am still impressed, after almost 20 years, by that manager's skill in the practice of restraint. I choose to use the lesson of responding with grace and diplomacy in all of my interactions, and you know what? It always works.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.
(Matthew 5:9 New International Version)
By a soft answer wrath is turned away, but a bitter word
is a cause of angry feelings.
(Proverbs 15:1 Bible in Basic English)
Whoever loves pure thoughts and kind words will have even the king as a friend.
(Proverbs 22:11 New Century Version)
____________________________________ Image Credit: OCVA