Question:
Recently, as I was cold calling my target list in a new industry, I stumbled
on my first serious opportunity. After meeting and gaining commitment from my new prospect, I asked the woman who first tried to screen me, “Why did you pass my call on to your boss?” She said, “You had finesse.” That was the first time anyone ever described it that way. I have no idea what that means, nor would I know how to teach that to others.
So, my question is, what is finesse? Can it be described and learned, or does one just have to learn it by years of enduring screening gymnastics excellently performed by gum-popping receptionists?
Answer:
What an insightful and articulate question. Honestly, until this question was asked, I had
never thought about it. But, I have now, and here’s my response.
Finesse, according to the dictionary, is “the ability to handle delicate and difficult situations skillfully and diplomatically — artfulness.”
Let’s think about this and try to flesh out a picture of what the person with finesse looks like.
