Changed direction using diplomacy, we hear (6)
I believe the answer is:
tacked
'changed direction' is the definition.
(tack can mean to change direction when sailing)
'diplomacy we hear' is the wordplay.
'diplomacy' becomes 'tact' (tact can mean diplomacy or sensitivity).
'we hear' shows a homophone (sound like).
'tact' is a homophone of 'TACKED'.
'using' is the link.
(Other definitions for tacked that I've seen before include "Sewed with loose temporary stitches" , "Sailed zig-zag course to use wind" , "Turned into the wind, as sailors do" , "Sailed zigzag course to take advantage of wind" , "Zig-zagged (in a sailing boat); fixed" .)