TACT

Originally Published in the Rockland County Business Journal, 10/12/2024

Winston Churchill once said, “tact is the ability to tell someone to go to hell in such a way that they look forward to the trip”.

Like most quotes that last, it says a lot in a single sentence.

There’s a beautiful simplicity in his use of language. In a way, it’s both vulgar and sublime. And, within that, lies its genius. It’s also clever, conveying a sense of humor that, despite a sharp edge, makes the statement palatable.

And, perhaps most importantly, it means that it is possible to intensely disagree with someone and still engage in civil discourse. It’s a skill that seems to be sorely lacking today.

There may be many reasons for this, not the least of which has been the incredible rise in our use of Social Media. Lately, there have been many studies demonstrating both the wonders and pitfalls of our love affair with the Internet. They seem to me to be both sides of the same coin.

On one hand, we have access to a world of information that is virtually limitless and unimaginable just a generation ago. There is almost nothing we can’t learn if we so desire. And our access to it is almost immediate. So fast in fact, that I believe all of us are guilty of impatience when we must wait for more than a few seconds for our computers to give us EXACTLY what we want.

On the other hand, there is also a sense of anonymity when we react with each other through the internet. It provides an electronic wall of protection that often allows us to say and do things we might not consider if done in a more personal and direct way. We can flash to anger when we see, read, or hear something that we adamantly disagree with and with a single key stroke, vent to one’s heart’s desire, i.e. instant gratification.

Sure, you might feel better in the moment, but did we really accomplish anything? Have we come to a greater understanding, even if we disagree? Unfortunately, I think not.

Lastly, Churchill’s statement suggests that we need not compromise our principles when debating with others, especially during a time of such fractured politics. However, it also allows for others to have the same rights to not relinquish theirs. And, in this crucial election year, it’s never been more important that we find ways to close what seems to be an ever-widening gap. One way, perhaps the only way, is to continue to engage in spirited, passionate, respectful dialogue.

Try a little tact too. It may go a long way.