Last month I was asked to give remarks at the induction ceremony for the University of Houston chapter of the Phi Beta Honor Society.  This is an honor society for international scholars.  I was also honored to be inducted as a member.  In preparing for the remarks  I decided to share some lessons learned throughout my life and career.  I realized that most of my lessons were tied to people who had mentored me in some way. 

One of the lessons, which I think is relevant to anyone doing business internationally, I learned from two of my favorite educators. Mrs. Joyce Stafford was my third grade teacher and Professor Chandler Davidson taught sociology at Rice. They taught me to take every opportunity to engage with people who are different from me. They believed it was important to socialize publicly and privately with people from diverse backgrounds to get to know them and move beyond the superficial to develop a deeper relationship.  

Preeti Singh, the wife of India's first consul general in Houston, also stressed how important this is.  She used to comment on how they often entertained at home, and yet the invitations were rarely reciprocated. People say, "Let's get together," but never follow up. She taught me that I didn't have to have a big house or fancy china, and what I served didn't really matter.  It was the invitation that counted.  She and Consul General Singh (now a retired ambassador) were the first consular officials and international guests I hosted in my home.  To truly get to know someone, break bread with them, and if possible have them to your home.  It's a great way to get know people and begin to build trust and a lasting relationship.

I am grateful to all of those who have mentored me throughout my life, from Mrs. Stafford to Professor Davidson, Sharon Seline, and Linda McReynolds.  I have also had the privilege of being a mentor and find that I always learn a great deal from these experiences. Since many students are graduating this month from universities and high schools around the country, I want to challenge you to become a mentor.  This can be an informal process or a more structured program.  Some organizations and companies have systems in place to match new hires or members with more experienced staff. With so many graduates entering the business world, look around and see what you can do to help guide someone into the global market.   

Sonia Garza-Monarchi 

Garza Protocol Associates, LLC.

Ask the Protocol Lady: 

What's the proper way to display the U.S. flag? 

With Memorial Day just around the corner, and Flag Day celebrated in June, I am hearing lots of questions about flag protocol.  Even though I've covered this before, it is worth repeating some pointers on how to display the U.S. flag, especially in the company of other flags. When in doubt, always refer to U.S. Code Title 36.  The basic guidelines for a flag display, in the U.S., when facing the stage:

1. Start from your left to your right with the U.S. flag, followed by the flags of any other countries in alphabetical order at the same height. 

2. Use the country's conventional or short English name; i.e. "China," not "People's Republic of China."

3. When displaying more than one flag remember that flags, like people have rank.  So after country flags would come the state flag, then city, then corporation or organization.

White House photographers do an amazing job of sharing what goes on in this amazing building, and the person who resides there, with the world.  Below are a few photos they took that show flags on display.  Notice that in some cases, more than one set of flags was used.  Some may argue that flags shouldn't be used as decorations and that using more than one set of flags is unnecessary, or even wrong.  I believe that protocol is practical and evolves, and that using more than one set of flags allows a visiting head of state to have his or her flag at his or her side, and so we are not just setting up a good photo op, but being gracious hosts.  What do you think? 

 The Protocol Lady

I was introduced to a professional mentoring group by a member of the Women's Energy Network when I was asked to speak to their mentoring circle.  Their goals are to help their members get involved in the organization and programs, to network and build relationships, to understand industry trends, and to provide continuing education.  It's an outstanding program which I've used as a template to introduce mentoring to other organizations. If you would like to start a mentoring program, I encourage you to look at their website; just click here.

Rice University has had a mentorship program for many years as part of its Leadership Rice program.  I participated when it was first established and one of my mentees, Judy Le, is now the director of the program.  Its goals are to prepare students for leadership by enhancing their motivations to lead, developing their capacity to lead and providing opportunities to lead.  The goal is a lofty but worthy one, to contribute to an education that, in Rice University President David W.  Leebron's words, "equips our students...to make a distinctive impact in the world." The program includes academic classes, a summer mentorship, and speakers and conference.  For more information go to Summer Mentorship Experience.