If we know what we want, there are a variety of ways to get it. Sometimes, we get a little fixated on one way and neglect all of our other options.
In acting, we look for a variety of tactics to use when pursuing our objective. A character seeking the love of another may overtly pursue, threaten, ask another to speak on his/her behalf, joke awkwardly, etc. This gives variety to our character and our character’s journey.
If you ever watch football, you know the coaches have huge playbooks full of tactics. They cover their mouths on TV so that this information is kept secretive to the other team. They call them plays. We call them tactics.
We also follow a playbook to plan how we are going to go to where we want to be, and what we are going to do to get there.
For instance, if you need to get downtown to a theatre performance – you consider various tactics to arrive at your objective: the theatre. Tactics available for your consideration: drive, walk, take the bus or light rail, ask someone drive you, hop on your bicycle, etc. All of these tactics come with pros and cons. They are all intended to reach the same objective. Each runs up against different obstacles. There are always things in the way of getting what we want or need. Obstacles are everywhere!
Being aware of tactics allows us to be nimble. It allows us to be aware of all of our other choices when something is not working.
In communication, recognizing the different tactics including tone, pauses, information order, word choice, etc. can completely alter the outcome. Whether keynoting or running a meeting, talking on the phone or having an intense one-on-one conversation, agile use of subtle or overt communication tactics leads to greater success. Yes, these may seem like small choices, AND they can move our agenda forward.
If your forehead is sore from banging it against the same wall with no response or the same ineffectual response – step back, look at other options and try another tactic for getting what is on the other side of the wall in front of you.
Tactics are needed to keep pace with our everyday business challenges. It’s plain good business sense.
