yinkaolaito.com – the branding gavel, brand communication expert, nigeria brand consultant, social media expert

A diplomat represents the interest of his/her country in a foreign country. A diplomat is saddled with a great responsibility of maintaining solid diplomatic relationship between two countries.This involves negotiating and meditating cordial relationships between his country and the one he is sent to. In facilitating relationships they are usually accorded certain privileges that others do not have. They act fast to protect their citizens from dangers, crisis. We must note that diplomat is the screen cover for a whole lot of people like Ambassadors, attaché, counselors, cultural officer.

The duties of a diplomat also include giving advice to their nationals on political and economic situations in the country they sojourn. In time of crisis, the diplomat must also ensure they evacuate their citizen out of crisis; they must defend their countries negative or bad foreign policy and constantly realize that they are not ordinary citizen. This responsibility connotes lots of demands that must be taken care of. Let us examine few points that can enhance a diplomat’s personal branding.

1. Non-judgmental attitudes: every diplomat must pocket their own prejudices against any culture or people. He must understand that what is right to him is a question of belief, exposure, and knowledge. So he must wean himself of every biases otherwise he will have a lot of issues to attend to while performing his official duties in a foreign land.

2. Mediating disagreements and getting people to come to consensus: This is great skill that every diplomat must learn at the early part of their career. The ability to bargain and find the middle ground will help the personal brand of any successful diplomat. Being an organized mediator who can work through red tape and ceremonial protocol is really helpful to project strong personal brand.
3. Readiness to move: If you are very conservative and avowed to constant movement from one location to another, this may not be the best option for your personal brand.

4. Ready for challenges: The challenges of a diplomat can be demanding, stressful especially when there is a crisis, disorder in the country of assignment, being there for your nationals will require a lot of sacrifices. May be we can say that individual diplomat must has an adventurous, adaptable spirit.
5. Respectful, open minded, dedication to international relationships: we have noted earlier that personal brand of every diplomat must not be judgmental; being respectful and open-minded will help a diplomat’s personal brand.

6. Confident, and at ease when meeting others. To have a strong personal brand as a diplomat, being a great meeting facilitator as well as ‘networker’ will help brand you a lot. Be confident and having a high sense of integrity will promote brand You and your country’s brand. 7. Second language: With a second language, a diplomat’s personal brand stands a better chance.

The other points will be featured in my soon to be released free e-book “Personal Branding For First class Professionals”

#The picture above is that of His Excellency, Dr. Buba Marwa- Nigerian High commissioner To south Africa; His personal brand captures the essence of our discussion here.