Tact is important in communication and can be a deal breaker when trying to get your point across if not made a priority.

Before diving into the exercise, make sure everyone is on the same page with what tact is, what it isn’t, and why it’s important.

TACT – SELF REFLECTION
Provide an example of a time when you did and didn’t have the level of tact needed in a situation.


For each example, answer these questions below.
What do you wish you did differently?
What do you want to continue to do with tact?
Why do you think tact did or didn’t show up that time?
When you did or didn’t have tact, how do you think it affected others involved?
What action steps do you plan to do moving forward?


TACT – TEAM DISCUSSION
As a team, share some of the examples identified above. After each individual shares at least one story (with or without tact), dive into examples of when others did or didn’t show tact in their communication (current or prior company).


For each example of when others did or didn’t show tact, answer these questions below.
Why do you think tact did or didn’t show up that time for them?
Did you feel comfortable addressing the lack of tact with them? Why or why not.
Do you compliment or highlight when someone shows tact? Why or why not.
What action steps do you plan to do moving forward?


DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Discussion questions can be a great way to dive further into the topic of tact and gain new insights.

• How impactful is tact in communication? How impactful is it depending on who it’s coming from? e.g., peers, leaders, top executives, direct reports
• What’s one action step you plan to take moving forward?
• Do you feel some individuals may use their “communication style” as an excuse for lower tact?
• Have you discussed the concept of tact before in your or others communication? What future trainings or exercises would you want related to tact?
• What’s one item you plan to encourage from a team culture side related to tact?

For more information about this material, email kmcclain@praeliscere.com or visit https://praeliscere.com/. Copyright Kathryn McClain.

Tact is important in communication and can be a deal breaker when trying to get your point across if not made a priority.