Last Saturday’s session on Global Protocol and Corporate Etiquette was really an eye opener on how we need to properly conduct ourselves in front of the other individuals in the local and the international scene. I never thought I would be able to listen such lecture since I thought this is something that one should learn on their own. However, I am forever grateful to have that rare opportunity to be taught with regards to protocol, etiquette and a little bit of United Nation’s History. All items were relevant and appropriate in a way or another on how to deal with other individuals should they be in a position or not.
The session began with a lecture talking about protocol and corporate etiquette. Varied topics were discussed here such as protocol and precedence. Since we are residing in the Philippines, the general order of precedence in the country was thoroughly discussed. The rules were also stipulated during the presentation most especially with regards to the flag, ceremonies, seating plan, signing ceremonies, addresses, salutations and more. Varied protocol practices were also mentioned in line with a country and a culture. Since more often than not we would be encountering individuals from a different culture like ours, it is also wise and appropriate that we also get to understand and know such practice.
The second presentation talks about Diplomatic Ethics and International Protocol by Dr. Mehmet. What could be more fitting is that this was given by a UN Peacemaker. He presented a little history about the United Nations on how it was formed and when. He also talked about the purpose of the United Nations and its varied protocols. The meat of the presentation revolves around international protocol. Varied entities were shown like how to address, the title, ethics of introduction, introduction, words to use, edification and more. He even shows us how to correctly introduce ourselves to other cultures and the right and wrong way to do so. A demonstration even helped us further understand how it should and should not be done.
In line with the lecture, I have been discerning as to how I can implement such global protocols and etiquette. I for one don’t have plans of being a diplomat and even work outside the country. Then it hit me. As a DBM student and as an individual, it is not only enough to exude intelligence and knowledge. It is imperative that we also get to conform to what is right and proper with regards to manners and etiquette be it local or international. Even more we must know about these protocols and these systems. It is but right after all that regardless of background and culture, we must also be diverse with the varied protocols implemented by other cultures. This is so not to embarrass ourselves in front of them or whenever we travel to their country. And more so not, it is not to humiliate ourselves in formal gatherings because we don’t know the right way to do it. But it all boils down to respect.
Going the extra mile of knowing details such as protocols and etiquette simply signifies that you respect the host or the individuals you would meet. For instance, if I was invited to a formal event and it would be a pretty close celebration, bringing my family to the said occasion would simply mean I don’t respect the host at all. I am abusing the hospitality and the invitation that was given to me. I know for a fact that the host won’t react at all if they happen to see me already with my family members but that could signify the kind of person I am and how I see the host. This could mean that in the near future, there won’t be any more invitations from me. And worst, I am not showing any respect to her hospitality.
The same idea holds true if we travel to other countries. It is a must that we get to spend time to research on their culture and practices before. After all, we shall be in a foreign land. Knowing such little things would speak highly of us and our culture as Filipinos. It only means that we too respect their country and their culture. This also signified that we are willing to adapt their tradition because we respect them as they are. A very good example would be going to Japan. We know that the Japanese are respectful individuals. That is why bowing is very essential when meeting and introducing someone. Being able to bow with them shows that we respect that protocol of theirs. Even knowing when to take off our shoes and slippers would mean we are even willing to follow their tradition because we respect them. This also holds true with regards to other conservative countries like that in the Middle East. We know how strict they are with their clothes most especially with the women. Covering ourselves and following such procedure when we are there also entails that we respect their culture.
As an individual, it is important that we strive to be living harmoniously with other people from different countries and different cultures. And exactly how to do this would be to respect them. As what Laurence Sterne says, “Respect for ourselves guides our morals, respect for others guide our manners”. It is most definitely true that respecting others speaks of our manners. That is why it is imperative therefore that we get to know protocols and proper etiquette in the first place not only in the local scene but also the international ones. Even more, we can never tell when we are going to meet officials and even delegates from other countries with varying cultures. The least we can do is to be prepared as to the right way to address them. As previously stated, more than humiliating yourself, you may also embarrass the other party. Even so as a DBM student, this must be followed since much is expected from us.
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