I’ve found that honesty is always the best policy. Honesty alone isn’t always enough though. Often times, added explanation is required.
Take for instance a manager who asks if a feature is going to be delivered on time. Not taking into account whether or not you had anything to do with the date they were told, it’s better to tell him or her no if that is the case, and then explain why it won’t be delivered on time. Then look for a compromise.
Explanation and compromise are tools of the diplomat. And no, this is not kissing ass. This is an attempt to help the situation, and build trust. Brutal facts are sometimes hard to swallow, and people aren’t always ready to hear them.
And You?
What do you think? What tools do you use in a situation like this.
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