I have been inspired!! Good Lord I haven't read anything in the recent past which spoke to me so much as did this article on the thoughts of a retiring American career diplomat, William Burns.
Burns speaks of ten very important points that anyone, especially the diplomats should be aware of. These rang close to home as I strongly believe in a few of them. And I learnt from the rest. A synopsis of the ten points are as follows;
1. Know where you come from
Know your beginnings and what you represent. I have seen many diplomats forgetting this very simple yet critical factor. Some forget that they are serving their country and not their own interests. I think it is really important to remember where you come from as that can not lead you astray.
2. It's not always about us.
Here Burns is telling the American diplomats that the world in fact does not revolve around America. I believe this is an important advice, but something everyone can draw from. Some times we have to pay attention to what is going on around the world, be it in our neighbouring country or a country too far away to be of any importance to us.
3. Master the fundamentals
Enough said. But really, learn your basics.
4. Stay ahead of the curve
Be abreast of new trends, of what is going on around you. Trust me, some times you have no idea what can keep a conversation going.
5. Promote economic renewal
Of course, as a diplomat you are expected to do the best for your country and therein ensure that the said country should reap economic benefits by being friends with another country. If a diplomat can make this work, then it is understood that the diplomat is serving the country.
6. Connect leverage to strategy
Understand the country's interests and ensure you get about building the bridges to help those interests work.
7. Don't just admire the problem; offer a solution
Anyone can say there is a problem and show why a plan or a strategy would not work. But be that person who offers a solution to th problem at hand. Start thinking out of the box when a problem comes your way.
8. Speak truth to power
Of course, during one's career there will be times when one has to do things that are not in agreement with one's beliefs. But when asked for one's honest opinions, do not be afraid to share what you think about a plan, a project etc. Some times, one's opinion could be the game changer. Just saying.
9. Accept risk
Be that person who is not afraid to go out there and do their best, even if it means risking everything you have. Remember, by being a diplomat, you are serving your country, not yourself.
Burns speaks of ten very important points that anyone, especially the diplomats should be aware of. These rang close to home as I strongly believe in a few of them. And I learnt from the rest. A synopsis of the ten points are as follows;
1. Know where you come from
Know your beginnings and what you represent. I have seen many diplomats forgetting this very simple yet critical factor. Some forget that they are serving their country and not their own interests. I think it is really important to remember where you come from as that can not lead you astray.
2. It's not always about us.
Here Burns is telling the American diplomats that the world in fact does not revolve around America. I believe this is an important advice, but something everyone can draw from. Some times we have to pay attention to what is going on around the world, be it in our neighbouring country or a country too far away to be of any importance to us.
3. Master the fundamentals
Enough said. But really, learn your basics.
4. Stay ahead of the curve
Be abreast of new trends, of what is going on around you. Trust me, some times you have no idea what can keep a conversation going.
5. Promote economic renewal
Of course, as a diplomat you are expected to do the best for your country and therein ensure that the said country should reap economic benefits by being friends with another country. If a diplomat can make this work, then it is understood that the diplomat is serving the country.
6. Connect leverage to strategy
Understand the country's interests and ensure you get about building the bridges to help those interests work.
7. Don't just admire the problem; offer a solution
Anyone can say there is a problem and show why a plan or a strategy would not work. But be that person who offers a solution to th problem at hand. Start thinking out of the box when a problem comes your way.
8. Speak truth to power
Of course, during one's career there will be times when one has to do things that are not in agreement with one's beliefs. But when asked for one's honest opinions, do not be afraid to share what you think about a plan, a project etc. Some times, one's opinion could be the game changer. Just saying.
9. Accept risk
Be that person who is not afraid to go out there and do their best, even if it means risking everything you have. Remember, by being a diplomat, you are serving your country, not yourself.
10. Remain optimistic
"Teddy Roosevelt said life's greatest good fortune is to work hard at work worth doing." Be that person who can be count upon to see the positive in every negative situation that that comes their way
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