Tact and diplomacy are methods used to aid effective communication, especially during negotiation and when attempting to be persuasive or assertive.
Using tact and diplomacy appropriately can lead to improved relationships with other people and are a way to build and develop mutual respect, which in turn can lead to more successful outcomes and less difficult or stressful communications.
Tact and diplomacy are skills centred around an understanding of other people and being sensitive to their opinions, beliefs, ideas and feelings.
To the amiable Executive Governor of Oyo State, His Excellency, Engineer Oluwaseyi Makinde, effective use of such skills comes from being able to sense accurately what another person is feeling or thinking at any given time and then responding in such a way as to avoid bad feelings or awkwardness, whilst at the same time asserting or reflecting your own ideas and feelings back in a delicate and well-meaning fashion.
He is of the conviction that all people and all communication situations are unique. Developing effective tact and diplomacy skills requires practice and good judgement.
Indisputably, Governor Makinde’s ability to assert his ideas or opinions, knowing what to say and how to say it without damaging the relationship by causing offence is highly remarkable .
To the conscientious Chief Executive Officer of the State, “tact is the art of making a point without making an enemy, as Diplomacy is the art of letting somebody else have your way
Gov. Makinde has a level of common sense, good judgement.
An attentive listener who is able to listen to not just what is being said but also how it is being said in order to understand, and react appropriately to, others, the emotional Intelligence: O the Governor in using tact and diplomacy more naturally in communication is also commendable .
Hov. Makinde is a great leader who shows empath.
This is because as an extension to emotional intelligence, empathy is the Governor’s ability to see the world from another person’s perspective.
What about Gov. Seyi Makinde’s assertiveness, politeness and rapport. Quite admirable.
Understanding what is the most appropriate behaviour and in any given situation can be problematic; this is due to the unpredictable nature of communication and of human relations generally.
But Enginer Oluwaseyi Makinde knows that sometimes the most appropriate action may be to withhold his opinion, or it may be possible to introduce an idea, or favoured outcome.
Gov. Makinde, in the course of my extensive findings, is capable of talking his way out of difficult situations or successful at negotiating.
Although a certain amount of luck may be attributed to isolated incidents, but for Gov. Makinde,long-term success is based on strong communication skills, planning, self-control, confidence and emotional intelligence.
Whenever Governor Oluwaseyi Makinde is planning a potentially difficult conversation, he will first focus on knowing what he wants to achieve and what is his favoured outcome?
He will write it down and think about his reasons.
Makinde will then take a step back from his personal opinions and think about the facts surrounding the situations.
He will also consider and write down what the objections might be from others.
The Governor will thereafter think carefully about his responses to people’s concerns; and demonstrate that he has considered their opinions or arguments.
He does not enter into negotiations in an angry or stressed way.
But try to remain calm and keep an open mind, find out the facts, as well as what is and what is not possible before he reacts.
When communicating, Makinde listens to what the other person (or people) has to say.
Furthermore , the resilient Governor watches for non-verbal communication, such as body language, and their tone of voice to help him understand others messages.
He holds back his own opinions and ideas until others have had chance to understand the other persons point-of-view, and then plan his responses carefully to fit with the feedback he has received
Governor Makinde is a leader with listening skill.
For stance, if what Makinde seeks is in conflict with the other person’s ideas, he will discuss how sacrifices can be made to provide a better result for parties concerned in the long run.
Mutual sacrifice, to him, is usually seen more favourably than one-sided sacrifice, as he always aim to reach a compromise which results in a win-win situation.
.The amazing Governor is precise in giving figures and dates, just as he favours logic and fact over personal opinion.
Makinde often turn statements into questions. Rather than directly voicing his opinion, he will turn his statement into a question for the other person to think about.
This not only leads others to think along the same lines as the Governor , but also makes room for discussion of what interests him and what may potentially benefit both parties.
This is particularly useful if a leader is not entirely sure what he or she is able to achieve or exactly what is needed to overcome a problem.
This strategy often allows for more exploration of options – a more open approach than just for a leader to state his opinion.
If the conversation gets heated, investigations revealed that the Governor will try to give himself room to respond in ways that help rather than inflame a situation.
What is more, Governor Oluwaseyi Makinde takes control of a situation rather than becoming out of control and will not say or doi something the people may later regret.
He will rather take control of social situations in a way that leaves both parties feeling comfortable with the outcome, rather than being autocratic.
This is an important part of showing tact and diplomacy.)
We have too many leaders who believe their position mandates their influence, rather than their influence enabling them to be effective in their position.
Many of today’s leaders lead by forced coercion – a “my way or the highway” mindset that makes them more like dictators.
President Theodore Roosevelt once said, “The leader leads, and the boss drives. The Boss often plays the Boss Card. They force obedience, strictly because of their position and status”.
But, as author and expert, John Maxwell says, “Leadership is not about titles, positions or flowcharts. It’s about one life influencing another.”.
The Executive Governor of Oyo State, His Excellency Engineer Oluwaseyi Makinde is a good leader that seeks God’s direction, a modest, not arrogant. a peacemaker., fair and one who surrounds himself with honest, trustworthy aides.
In addition to compassion and passion, Seyi Makinde used his position to care for—not suppress—others.
He keeps his preferred outcome in mind, try not to get distracted, go off on a tangent or get bogged down in irrelevant details.
The passionate Governor is assertive, tactful and diplomatic, as this does not mean bowing to pressure or giving up on what he wants.
The Executive Governor always strive for a win-win outcome. That way, he increases his chance of negotiating problematic situations successfully while all parties can feel happier about any compromises made during the process.
The Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engineer Oluwaseyi Makinda is an epitome of transformational leadership, as he serves as role model to inspire others.
This is because his style of administration involves improving the morale and well-being of the people of the State by connecting with their sense of identity and the collective identity of the State.
He is indeed a visionary leader who inspires others and encourages critical thinking and innovation.
This could be attested to with his administration’s unprecedented achievements especially in education , infrastructural development within a spate of three years.
Governor Oluwaseyi Makinde deserves kudos from every right thinking person in the State. Little wonder why the late Imperial Majesty , the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba(Dr.) Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi 111, during the commissioning of Oroki/Asipa/Sabo road by his Excellency in Oyo town showered encomiums on State Governor, Engineer Oluwaseyi Makinde for what the Monarch referred to as “his visionary style of administration in transforming the State to its befitting status”.
Alaafin also thanked God for the Governor’s frankness, bluntness, and principled administration to tell the
people the bitter truth at all times.
According to the monarch, ” we in Oyo say kudos for your Olofamojo’s style of sharing the dividends of democracy , which is , ‘Laa re, bu re, Okan ko gbodo ju kan'”.
Oba Adeyemi whose address was read by the Chairman, Oyo Metropolitan Development Association, retired Arch- Bishop Lawrence Ayo Ladigbolu at the commissioning of the Asipa/ Sabo/ Oroki/Gedu township roads constructed by the State Government.
The Paramount Ruler said, ” today, we are rejoicing on account of the transformation of some of our major township roads, thus ensuring not only freer vehicular movements, but greater socio economic prosperity within our Communities.
” We are enthusiastic and truly excited beneficiaries of your administration ‘s innovative light up of Oyo project. A our new roads are fitted with functioning street lights to ensure security of lives and property both day and night. This essential service covers all of our major towns”.
Alaafin also eulogized the Governor for keeping his promise on the Oyo/ Iseyin road construction , adding that the people of Oyo have benefitted more than others in the use of the brand new quality road, which has once again brought Oyo North and South Divisions of Oyo much closer than ever before.
“We are aware of Your Excellency’s passion and commitment to ensuring that the people of Oyo State enjoy the benefits of good rural road network. Thank You for paying the counterpart fund to facilitate the construction.of RAMP roads in Oyo State. We are happy then sooner than later one of such roads will pass through our own ORIAWO/ IFEODAN axis of Oyo South East LCDA and other Oyo Metro Local Government Areas”.
While further lauding the Governor for exempting Oyo town from paying for the Certificate of Occupancy on the land provided for the 132/33 JV Transmission Substation at Oluewu-Oyo, the Royal Father pointed out that the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources fought tooth and nail to ensure the supply and delivery of necessary equipments from TCN .
” The community gladly accepted the challenge of providing the Control Room Building while the project is 90 percent completed”.
Oba Adeyemi who though expressed his agony however sought for leverages to ensure effective and speedy evacuation of the power to consumers from the sun station upon its completion.
He added that any further assistance from the State Government in this direction would be appreciated.
