# diplomacy is needed to work with the powerful #permanentnote ## source - [[book - The Trusted Advisor]] ## keywords: - [[topic - mentoring, advising and coaching]] - [[how to be a better advisor]] [[how to be a better negotiator]] [[how to have a long-term relationship]] ## relevant notes - [[zt - all customers want someone that takes away their worries and problems]] but to solve such worries it is important not to be too assertive - "There is the other side of the coin of diplomacy. __life is too short to work with idiots__ so if there is a lack of chemistry with the customer, it might be better to just back-off and let someone else work with that customer. It is hard to [[zt - be client focus]] with someone you don't like." ## notes - Turn assertions into questions. i.e. turn a __I know__ sentence into a Socratic question to let the customer find the solution - There is the other side of the coin of diplomacy. __life is too short to work with idiots__ so if there is a lack of chemistry with the customer, it might be better to just back-off and let someone else work with that customer. It is hard to [[zt - be client focus]] with someone you don't like.