Virtue of the Week focuses on building peaceful and caring communities through understanding and fostering the practice of virtues. The Source supports the Virtues Project and will publish one virtue developed by the project each week.
Tact
Tact is telling the truth kindly. We think before we speak, aware of how deeply our words affect others. When our words are weighty, we weigh our words, knowing they have the power to cause pain or to uplift. A harsh word to an intimate is like a grain of sand in their eye. An encouraging word can fill them with confidence. Tact is essential when we feel strong emotions like anger. It helps us discern what to say and what is better left unsaid. Tact is good timing. It is the diplomacy of the heart.
Quote: “Use a sweet tongue, courtesy and gentleness, and thou mayest manage to guide an elephant by a hair.” –SA’DI
The Practice of Tact
I tell the truth kindly and gently.
I reflect on how my words influence others.
I think before I speak.
I do not allow anger to control me.
I discern when to speak and when to be silent.
I use courteous language.
I am thankful for the gift of Tact.
It sweetens my relationships
- How can tact support our social justice work?
- What causes you to speak without tact? What do you need in that moment to come back into tact?
- How can tact help navigate strong emotions?
- What does courteous language look like in our community?
Virtues Matter was started by a passionate wife-husband team of social entrepreneurs seeking to positively uplift as many lives as possible. We aim to inspire and empower, to build capacity, strengthen relationships, and help everyone lead lives of passion and purpose.
Virtues Matter believes in a world where people are committed to kindness and respect, strive to be their best, and live with hope, courage, and in unity. We built the Virtues Cards mobile app, an interactive personal and team development tool, to help people identify and develop key virtues skills. We also offer dynamic workshops, online training, and customized programs to help people cultivate these positive qualities of character. To learn more, visit www.virtuesmatter.org
