Diplomacy is often viewed as a political activity characterized by secrecy and indirect communication, which can seem incompatible with product work that thrives on transparency, communication, and collaboration. However, misaligned goals, resistance to change, and unclear priorities are key roadblocks in product work. This was a central finding from my recent research conducted at the Geneva Graduate Institute, which examined how modern diplomatic tools can be applied in product work to achieve alignment and mitigate barriers and friction. My research suggests that deliberately and systematically applying diplomatic tools in product work could be the “secret sauce” to help product leaders overcome politics, turf wars, and misalignment. During this talk, you’ll gain an overview of 12 applicable tools from modern diplomacy, including a deep dive into at least two essential tools and their practical frameworks, equipping you with a fresh perspective to drive product.
