Protocol, Intercultural Communication and Diplomacy for Business
2009 in Review – Cultural Connections . . . or Collisions? In 2009, we saw the Obama administration make solid attempts to use protocol and diplomacy to further U.S. interests around the world and enhance the country’s image abroad, while politicians, celebrities, religious leaders and John and Jane Does everywhere were making cultural connections or suffering through cultural collisions. We can all learn some lessons from these U.S. protocol stories that made headlines last year.
President Barack Obama’s Inauguration From the outsider’s perspective it was well-planned and flawlessly executed.How do I know this?The most-talked-about aspects were related to attire, with First Lady Michelle Obama dressed absolutely impeccably for every event. You never see a headline screaming that everything went according to plan. Even so there were a few lessons learned including: follow the script when swearing in the President; and like children, big hats distract attention from the main event.
President and Mrs. Obama Visit Queen Elizabeth First Lady Obama hugs the Queen and discovers she’s real.Protocol dictates that you follow local customs and traditions. In this case the custom is only to touch the Queen when she has extended her hand for a handshake. However, the photos I saw didn’t show the Queen cringing back in horror nor did she have the guards remove Mrs. Obama. No real harm done—apparently even the Queen can use a hug.
President Obama Bows, Part I When the President bowed to King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia, the intent was fine but the action was not the most appropriate. A firm U.S.-style handshake where you look the person in the eyes would have done nicely. Or he could have held the King’s hand as former President George W. Bush once did. Hand-holding between men is a custom that denotes friendship in many middle-eastern countries.
President Obama Bows, Part II Among the Japanese the bow is comparable to our handshake. Again, President Obama’s bow to Emperor Akihito was well-intentioned but not the most appropriate gesture. All Japanese bow to other Japanese.The Emperor, however, is not your average Japanese.Had the Emperor reciprocated there would have been no awkwardness.Who knew Emperors don’t bow?Someone on the President’s staff should have known and given him better advice.
President Obama’s First State Dinner What a party-crashing protocol and security nightmare!While the President’s safety is the Secret Service’s primary responsibility, many people don’t realize they also are responsible for protecting visiting heads of state.With all the turmoil in that part of the world, India’s Prime Minister Singh, rather than the President, could have been the target of an infiltrator. Talk about an international incident.If nothing else, this has shown that protocol officers must work hand-in-hand with the security team.And protocol staff are never off-duty at events.
Kanye West and Serena Williams Behaving Badly All events and activities have their own rules of conduct.So whether it’s a state dinner, a music awards show or a game of tennis, know the rules and follow them.The world has become a very small place and privacy is dead. Rude and uncivil behavior can be quickly recorded and broadcast to the world in a matter of seconds, even if you’re not a celebrity.
John and Jane Doe, The Ugly Americans It seemed that civility in everyday situations was all but lost in 2009.We all heard John Doe talk loudly and long on his cell phone in the small car repair shop waiting room while others were trying to read.We saw Jane wait for the ushers to turn their back so she could take a reserved seat at the municipal ceremony.We heard and saw Jane texting during the conference keynote remarks.We saw John arrive 15 minutes late to the training session then ask the instructor to repeat the information already given. Then of course, his phone rang during the session. The list goes on.
credit:NYTimes, Mark Peterson/Redux
While I’m sure you have a list of your own, since boorish behavior is easy to spot, perhaps we should all take a minute now to do a self-check.See if we’re guilty of any of these or hundreds of other protocol faux-pas.Let’s strive to do as Ben Kingsley suggested:“Whenever you get an opportunity to be decent, polite, kind…don’t miss it you’ll never get that moment back.” Civility and niceness may not change the world for everyone, but just might make someone else’s day a little easier. We could all use that.
