Tact (psychology)

Tact (deprecated delicacy ) is the colloquial name for the ability to communicate with other people in contact without offending them or to embarrass or to contact them inappropriately close. It can also strengthen the character trait. Helmuth Plessner described the clock as the "eternal guard (s) respect for the other soul, and thus the first and last virtue of the human heart ."

Sociologically clock is enclosed in a " set of behaviors for communication partners " who do not want the self-representation of other break " and even there still spare him, where he is incredible ." Is part of a tactful action, that it remains inconspicuous.

Tact, called instinct because of the required sensitivity in a figurative way, expresses itself in concrete both in the fact of what is said, asked or done, as well as in the manner in which and the time at which this happens, and it also plays a role, the relation of the respective people to one another.

Tact in behavior towards people

Tact requires the ability to sense a measure and to respect it as not to be exceeded limit. This level is different for each person and therefore not objectively determinable. It is acquired or strengthened by model and knowledge of the world and requires tolerance. Therefore, it is not common practice.

In 1788, Adolph Freiherr Knigge wrote in the first chapter of his book about dealing with people:

" Uncover never the weaknesses of your fellow-men, to charge a base type you! Do not pull their mistakes and aberrations in the light of day to shine on their expenses! "

And pointed out that "the art of dealing with people " can be learned:

" He whom nature has not happy with this system has cause to bring forth, to the study of people, a certain degree of flexibility, sociability, flexibility, tolerance, at the right time denial, violence of violent passions, vigilance on itself and serenity acquisitions of always congenial mind; and he will make that art as its own; but hats you look, same to be confused with the infamous, low -satisfaction of the discarded slave who lets himself be abused by anyone, to reveal any; to win a meal, the villain pays homage to, and to obtain an operator, is silent on the wrongs, the deceit has the hands and deified the stupidity! "

Closely related to the tact is also the mindfulness to avoid loss of face, which is China and other Asian countries is of great importance, for example in social interaction in Japan.

Tact in the workplace

The discretion is not to be confused with professional caution, sensitivity or restraint, although it can manifest itself. For with the trained on Gently approach towards professionals, such as in priests or psychoanalysts, is their desire to influence others to assume.

Tact in business and politics

Lack of tact is accused persons in management positions when they take advantage of an economic or political position of power in a way that is deemed inappropriate or brings them personal advantage.

So threw example, in 2007 the Federal Minister of Economics Michael Glos the CEO of Deutsche Post, Klaus Zumwinkel, lack of tact as to the timing of sales of shares of the post- AG before.

Also caught the '2008 increase of Parliamentary allowances displeasure about the lack of tact.

Criticism

Tact is used as a method of manipulating people and is based on the distortion and the retention of statements while a plan of the situation must be kept in secret. It is therefore contrary to honesty. Tact also undermines confidence in the other person with the (subjective) truth to deal adequately.