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



May 2014
In This Issue
Protocol in the News
National Days
Ask the Protocol Lady: International clients will be visiting our company can you give me some tips?
Case Study: The Walk-through: Critical to Avoiding Surprises at Your Big Event
Join Our Mailing List
Stay Connected!


Like us on FacebookFollow us on TwitterView our profile on LinkedIn
 
Quick Links
 
 



 
 

 Protocol In the News
   

 
 
 
 

Ask "The Protocol Lady"

Do you have a protocol question? Just click here and submit your question.

 



National Days 
 

May 1 - Marshall Islands
May 3 - Poland
May 8 - Czech Republic
May 9 - European Union
May 12 - Israel
May 14 - Paraguay
May 17 - Norway
May 20 - Cameroon
May 22 - Yemen
May 24 - Eritrea
May 25 - Argentina, Jordan
May 26 - Great Britain, Guyana
May 28 - Azerbaijan, Ethiopia
May 30 - Croatia 


  
On the Shelf
 
Global Dexterity: How to Adapt Your Business Across Cultures without Losing Yourself in the Process 

By: Andy Molinsky

  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cross-Cultural Corner: 
Mate: The Tea of Argentina 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
One of the greatest aspects of international travel is trying out the local cuisine and drinks. In Argentina, be sure to enjoy a cup of mate. Mate is a tea made from the leaves and stems of the yerbamate bush, which is related to holly. Mate is very important to the Argentine culture. While it may not be to everyones taste some Argentines never leave home without it. So if you are ever in Argentina and are offered mate be sure to accept. It is a sign of friendship. (Page 136-143 Culture Shock Argentina)
 
If you want to make your Argentine guests feel at home it might be a good idea to make some mate. 

 

Garza Protocol Associates can advise you and your team on key cross-cultural issues and subtle nuances that will help you succeed in today's global market.      

                                                                                                                                                          










                             

 

 

 

 

It's May and many people are beginning to think about summer travel plans, while some students are preparing for study abroad programs.   Both provide opportunities for intercultural learning.  In today's global world if you live in a major city in almost any country in the world even a 'staycation' can expose you to a diversity of cultures that just a few years ago would have required a passport and years of travel.  

 

However, with a little effort you can do more than see the usual tourist sites and other tourists.  The goal should be to educate, experience and engage.  Do some research before you go, read books about the country and books by their own writers, and set an alert for news stories.  Make time to experience the country like a local: go to a concert, go to a market or grocery store and pick up items for a picnic in one of the local parks. Go to a music or bookstore. Get off the beaten path and go into the neighborhoods. Make arrangements to visit a school and perhaps give an English class. Find opportunities to engage with the local people.   

 

Safe travels!

  

 

Sonia Garza-Monarchi 

Garza Protocol Associates, LLC.

                                                                

  

             

Ask the Protocol Lady: 

I've been asked to coordinate the visit of international clients. What do I do? 

 

 

(President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama welcome British Prime Minister David Cameron and his wife, Samantha Cameron, before a state dinner. Photo by: CNN)

 

A couple of months ago I was asked a related question about entertaining international clients. Planning a comprehensive program that is productive requires even more preparation and coordination. Start by finding out who your counterpoint will be and contact that person to get some basic information. 

 

1. What's the purpose of the visit: theirs and yours?

 

2. What are the expectations: what courtesies will be provided and arrangements made?

 

3.  What's the budget: who pays what?

 

4.  Request the biographies of your clients and a list of the entire delegation with titles listed in precedence order.  If possible also get photos.  Today much of this information is available on the internet.

 

5.  Get the basic logistical information: hotel, air and ground transformation.

 

6.  What is the basic itinerary: meetings, tours, personal time

 

7.  Are there any dietary restrictions or preferences? 

   

Be sure you keep all of the key players informed of the arrangements along the way so they can give you input and you can revise the program as needed.  Consider cultural differences as well as individual preferences when making menu selections, and other arrangements.  When in doubt, ask.  Working with your counterpart will be essential.  

 

Each of the above steps has many components so if you would like additional guidance or would like a more comprehensive checklist, just contact [email protected]. 

 

  

         

 The Protocol Lady

 

 

 

Case Study: 

The Walk-through: Critical to Avoiding Surprises at Your Big Event 

 

 
All important events whether large or small can benefit from a walk-through or rehearsal.  Conducting a walk-through allows you to have a practice run and address potential problems.  The more like the actual event the practice run is the better chance you have of correcting problems.  For example if the event is occurring outdoors in the morning do the walk-through at the same time.

I recently attended a university graduation ceremony full of academic pageantry and protocol.  Over 1000 students were receiving doctorates, masters and bachelors degrees.  The students represented a diverse group.  The dean did an excellent job presenting the candidates and pronouncing the many different names.  Clearly he had spent some time practicing.  There was a special group of Chinese students graduating, for this group a native Mandarin speaker introduced the students.

      

However there were a couple of glitches.  When the students first came out there weren't enough chairs for all of them so some students had to stand as organizers rushed to bring out more chairs which the students then helped set up.  Then some students took selfies with the university president holding up the ceremony. Unfortunately the president took the first one so couldn't say no when other students followed suit.  While technology has many advantages it must be tempered with common sense and civility. 
 
If you need help preparing for an event's walk-through, Garza Protocol Associates can help. 

 

 

  

Garza Protocol Associates, LLC
gives clients a competitive advantage in the global market, helps build rewarding relationships, coordinates productive international visits, and manages successful events and trade missions, while avoiding costly cross-cultural misunderstandings.