The Executive Diplomat
Protocol & Diplomacy for Today's Global Leader .................................................................................



April 2012
In This Issue
Protocol in the News
What Should I Do When the National Anthem is Played?
Case Study: Gift Presentation
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Protocol in the News

 

In Texas, the Sabbath Trumps the Semifinals   

 

Avoid Being Rude While Dining Internationally With These Food Etiquette Tips 

 

British Olympians told not to shake hands, citing germs 

 

 


 
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Book Corner
Qatar: Sand, Sea, and Sky
By: Diana Untermeyer


When ambassadors arrive at a new post they typically have a mission, staff, and resources at their disposal.  However, spouses of ambassadors must often find their own niche.
  
Diana Untermeyer found her niche when she moved to Qatar as the ambassador's wife.  Her long-established love of horses gained her lasting friendships with the ruling family and insights that few were privileged to share. See Qatar as she did in this beautiful new book.
 

 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         
When I conduct protocol trainings I'm often asked what skill is most needed to succeed in international business. While there are many, I'm still surprised by how many global executives remember to take their passports but often leave common sense at home, which would have to be at the top of any list for business success.  This applies to all areas big and small whether you're doing business abroad or dealing with a cross-cultural issue in your own backyard.  See more in this month's case study.



Sonia Garza-Monarchi
Garza Protocol Associates, LLC



What Should I Do When the National Anthemn is Played?

 


I attended a chamber luncheon last week where the program included the playing of the national anthem. 

 

As I looked around the room I noticed people doing all manner of things, so I thought it might be a good time for a reminder on what is the proper conduct during the playing of the national anthem.

 

According to the U.S. Flag Code you should:

 

(1) when the flag is displayed -

(A) all present except those in uniform should stand at attention facing the flag with their right hand over their heart

(B) men not in uniform should remove their headdress with their right hand and hold the headdress at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart; and 

(C) individuals in uniform should give the military salute at the first note of the anthem and maintain that position until the last note.

(2) When the flag is not displayed, all present should face toward the music and act in the same manner they would if the flag were displayed. 

 

If you are not a U.S. Citizen conduct yourself as you would like others to during the playing of your own anthem-- stand up straight, remain quiet and show respect. 

  

 

President Obama and Prime Minister Cameron stand during the playing of the national anthem (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

 

 The Protocol Lady


 

Case Study: Gift Presentation  

 
During my recent trip to India, I was waiting in the lobby of the Taj Hotel in Delhi and observed the following.  A Japanese delegation was preparing to leave the hotel for the airport. Their hosts hurriedly passed out bags with gifts as the delegates headed out the door.   
   
 
There may be  any number of reasons why the gifts were presented this way but in the end it comes down to poor planning.  A good protocol professional should anticipate problems and plan for them.  Our goal is to always make the client  appear in the best light which the above did not accomplish.
 
In this case it would have been more considerate and impactful to give the gifts the day before or anytime earlier in the trip so that they could have been presented more thoughtfully.  This would have also allowed for the gifts to be packed.  Instead the guests were inconvenienced at the last minute and had to either squeeze the item into their luggage or carry one more item.  A little common sense could have made the gift presentation more significant and less burdensome. 
 
Another option was presented during a trade mission to Tokyo. An airline presented the delegates with a lovely drawing of Mt. Fuji.  The airline then provided a table with staff where the delegates who chose to could arrange for the airline to ship the drawing home for them.  It's that attention to detail that will set you apart in business and get you remembered for all of the right reasons.
 

Garza Protocol Associates, LLC
helps clients build profitable relationships, coordinates productive international visits and manages successful events and trade missions while avoiding costly cross-cultural misunderstandings.