True leaders are consummate diplomats. While remaining true to their authentic selves and loyal to their organizations’ missions, leaders feint and pivot deftly in dialogues within and outside the organization to build alliances that enable both parties to honor their values. Mahatma Gandhi once said “I suppose leadership at one time meant muscles; but today it means getting along with people.”
Negotiations with experienced leaders appear as intense conversations focused more on satisfying both parties’ interests than on crushing the leader’s counterpart or subordinate. Lauded leaders have impeccable manners and solid ethics. They seek opportunities to empower their team members. Knowing they cannot be everyone’s friend, they seek peace instead of strife. They collaborate with complimentary organizations and find opportunities to build bridges with opponents that allow both parties to reach dignified resolutions.