The concept of a diplomatic protocol includes a set of certain norms and rules of conduct that are spelled out specifically for international relations at the highest level. At the same time, they should be followed in the circle of business partners, work colleagues and business. In diplomacy, etiquette is of particular importance.
On television screens and on the Internet, we can observe how at business meetings of the international level the powers that be are deciding the fate of the inhabitants of the entire globe, representing the interests of their country, a separate corporation or a large company. The reputation of entire states or organizations of which they are representatives depends on their behavior. Therefore, these people are called - officials.
In order to achieve heights in any field of activity, it is very important to show oneself from the best side, having formed the opinion of others about oneself as an intelligent, educated and comprehensively developed person.
Appearance and behavior
A neat and tidy appearance in the world of business people is essential. Everything that is put on public display should be in immaculate well-kept condition, be it a shirt collar or nails and a hairstyle. The clothes should correspond to the high status of a diplomat, his image should be a standard of elegance.
You should avoid bright, screaming colors and shades.
It is important not to overdo it with the amount of perfume. Moderation should be in everything, including jewelry and jewelry. Business style of dress is preferable for men and women: a noble and restrained classic will never lose its relevance and will be appropriate at any official event.
When conducting a conversation, it is important to behave with restraint and dignity, not to interrupt your interlocutor, to avoid excessive gestures. The culture of speech is of great importance: the use of literate literary verbal revolutions and a rich vocabulary will help a person to establish himself as a well-read and educated diplomat and partner with whom it is pleasant to deal with.
In no case should one take liberties such as using obscene language in case of any dispute arising so that the conversation with business partners does not become an open conflict or skirmish.
Out of control emotions can only aggravate the confrontation, as a result of which it will be much more difficult to reach an agreement.
Patience, tact and restraint will help smooth any, even the most acute situation.
I would like to pay special attention to such quality as punctuality. It is very important to arrive on time for business meetings or meetings. No wonder that the proverb that time is money has become so widely known and popular. A punctual person evokes the respect of his business partners, since he appreciates not only his time, but also the working time of all his colleagues, without forcing them to waste precious minutes or even hours waiting for his undisciplined person.
Of course, delays also happen for very good reasons, due to some kind of emergency situation or force majeure circumstances that could not be overcome.In such cases, business partners will treat the fact of delay more loyally and will try to get into the situation, but systematic delays without serious reason will be regarded as disrespectful towards colleagues.
Diplomatic receptions and rules of behavior on them
Diplomatic meetings are held on a variety of occasions, starting with all sorts of public holidays and ending with the arrival of a delegation from a friendly country. A preliminary list of invited guests is compiled, and invitations themselves are most often sent to recipients in writing. The meeting is also pre-arranged by phone, the number of attendees is stipulated (according to the protocol, there should be an approximately equal number of representatives from each side).
In preparing for the reception of a foreign delegation, the specific national characteristics and traditions of the country whose interests are represented must be taken into account.
It is accepted that junior employees are the first to arrive at the official meeting, and the older ones - later. Left reception on the contrary: first, older, then younger. First greet subordinates with their superiors. Those who enter the room should greet all those present, regardless of their gender. Being indoors, men are the first to welcome the fair sex.
When a lady meets a man, he must get up from his chair, thus expressing his respect for her. If a woman is about to sit down next to him, the man should help by pushing a chair for her. Leaving, the employee must be forgiven first with colleagues who remain at the reception.
Types of diplomatic receptions
Diplomatic receptions are day and evening, implying the presence of seating or doing without it. They are divided into several types:
- Breakfast. This type of reception is carried out from noon to 15.00. There are no first courses in its menu, instead of them there are only a few light cold snacks, for a hot one there is one dish of fish and meat, and there can also be dessert, coffee, tea, wine or champagne on the table. Such a reception lasts 1-1.5 hours and they mostly invite only men to it.
- Dinner. The most solemn reception, the time of the meeting is from 19.00 to 21.00. Guests are invited with their spouses, unlike breakfast at this type of reception feature first courses, the time is from 2-3 hours or more.
- Dinner. It differs from the previous type of reception only by a later start time - after 21.00.
- Cocktail. The time is from 17.00-18.00 for about two hours. Seating guests is not provided, the situation at the reception more relaxed. Unlike breakfast, lunch and dinner, you can be late for a cocktail, it is not necessary to come at exactly the specified time. The attendants deliver drinks, cold snacks in tartlets, canapés on trays.
- Buffet. In many ways similar to the cocktail: the seating of guests, as in the previous version, is not provided, the start time and the length of the meeting are identical, the delay will not be considered a violation of etiquette. The difference lies in the fact that at this type of reception it is customary to set the tables, hot dishes are served.
- Lunch buffet (buffet). Snacks and meals are located on separate tables, the participants of the reception impose treats that they like, then depart to the side, giving place to other participants of the reception. You can sit with selected treats on chairs or small 4-6-seater tables in the same or adjacent room.
Why should diplomatic etiquette be followed by everyone?
Observance of diplomatic etiquette is the key to success in building business relations between business partners. Respectful attitude and goodwill help to earn the location of colleagues and, as a result, open the door to new good opportunities and prospects.It is important to note that compliance with etiquette helps not only in the labor field, but also in everyday life. The habit of behaving intelligently and ethically will be beneficial for all other areas of human activity.
For more information about the diplomatic protocol and etiquette, see the video below.
