Lesson from forest for Diplomacy

Whenever we have a dialogue with Superiors it's totally necessary for us to maintain some amount of diplomatic approach.
The more you are close the Seniors might feel that you are trying to butter them up, however the peers will believe that you were able to go up the ladder only through buttering up. On the other hand the Seniors might also feel bit insecured in  case you are shrewd that their job might be taken.
A short story
In a forest the animals were having a meeting or discussion, we all know the King of the jungle is Lion and in the course of discussion Lion yawned, Elephant will saying what a bad smell.
Lion got bit offended and went to ask opinion enquired with elephant "is it from me". Elephant said point blant your mouth stinks. Lion got annoyed and removed his ministry.
Still Lion couldn't bear this insult, Sloth Bear was just witnessing that Lion had removed the ministry of Elephant and it was eyeing that post.
Lion called Sloth bear, Sloth bear was thinking it was going to confer him the ministry, first question was is my mouth stinking too much? Sloth bear in order to butter him, no way your highness your mouth is so refreshing smell, like cardamom, clove all good smells. Lion sensed the foul play and was shrewd to think how can it be? I am eating lot of meat and flesh how could it be? Are you trying to please me to get ministry position. Get out Lion yelled.
Lion called the Fox, hey foxy is my mouth smelly. The presence of mind of Fox is amazing, your highness I am having a blocked nose for the past 1week hence I cannot say it.
This is where shrewdness and diplomacy is at its best, in case you are stuck in between better to maintain a diplomatic approach.
However Call a spade a Spade in case you are able to fight strong.
Have nice day.

Regards
Vis