In the framework of Grassroot Diplomat
In the world of diplomacy, the days of handshakes, bilateral meetings or international summits attracting world leaders and diplomats to discuss issues of the day, have remained a history. The new coronavirus outbreak has radically changed our lifestyles: political leaders have to hold over the foreign policy goals and prioritize global responses to the deadly disease. That leaves traditional diplomacy standstill, followed by virtual video conferences devoid of close personal contact which has been deemed indispensable in carrying out foreign affairs. While cybersecurity and infrastructure capable of supporting fast and reliable connectivity remain among paramount concerns turning global diplomats to online diplomacy.
Some world leaders, including Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, took part in the Group of Seven teleconferences in mid-April over resuming economic activities in the post-coronavirus world. Group of 20 ministerial meetings, the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank all convened web conferences as alternatives to in-person meetings. The replacement has left many diplomats deprived of one-on-one, face-to-face discussions to gain trust, and also of opportunities to read between the lines by examining subtle tones and facial cues and then seek some middle ground in negotiations. “I think the fact that they can’t (meet in person) in the middle of a crisis is a disadvantage,” said Masahiro Kohara, a former career diplomat stationed in Sydney and Shanghai and now a professor of Japanese foreign policy at the University of Tokyo. “On the one hand, holding an online meeting means world leaders can convene a meeting at any time. However … when they are at odds over an issue, they try to seek compromise outside a meeting setting, including over meals. It is hard to do that online if there are no such components.” The more complicated an issue is, the much harder we can resolve it online.
We confront other issues as well such as online security. In diplomacy, where highly sensitive and classified information is exchanged, ensuring robust security in online communications could be costly and time-consuming. Earlier, the German foreign ministry reportedly restricted the use of the videoconferencing service Zoom because of its lax security standards. The Taiwan government and New York City schools banned using the app altogether. Technological glitches, miscommunication, and even old-fashioned clumsiness with technology impede meetings as well. When the UN Security Council held a meeting during COVID-crisis, it was rife with problems: noise disrupted the meeting as diplomats forgot to turn off microphones when they were not speaking, audio came and went away and some attendees were disconnected. Countries with limited technology infrastructure, and oftentimes lacking the resources to improve their situation, could find themselves at a disadvantage, which could widen the digital divide as developed countries reinforce their telecommunications system, such as by incorporating 5G technology.
The world is changing. We are approaching the Fifth Industrial Revolution, yet over the last decade or more, most leadership development has remained stagnant. What we called leadership years ago nowadays has become a theoretic concept in books. What is trained, how it is trained, and who is trained is much the same today as it was 10 or even 20 years ago. To be relevant for the next decade, directors of leadership development have to embrace transformations in every area of training and executive education, states Kevin Kruse, the CEO of LEADx. In 2020 it is clear there is no longer a typical way to lead, due in part to the rise of start-ups, tech-focused organizations, and changes to the way we related to work. But overall, a large part of our focus has now shifted to employee empowerment, emotional intelligence, and the pursuit of meaningful work. A leader is one or more people who select, equips, trains, and influences one or more follower(s) who have diverse gifts, abilities, and skills and focuses the follower(s) to the organization’s mission and objectives causing the follower(s) to willingly and enthusiastically expend spiritual, emotional, and physical energy in a concerted coordinated effort to achieve the organizational mission and objectives. The leader achieves this influence by humbly conveying a futuristic vision in clear terms that resonates with the follower(s) beliefs and values in such a way that the follower(s) can understand and interpret the future into present-time action steps.
Berkeley University’s executive education says good leadership comes from asking “How can I add value?” Moreover, a research article “What Makes a Good Leader” by Harvard Business School’s Deborah Blagg and Susan Young, lists 4 points that signify a good leader and specify how can we add value:
- Communication is key and a talent for simplicity;
- Telling the hard truths when appropriate;
- Being essentially both manager and leader;
- Remaining committed despite setbacks.
Only a great leader can genuinely understand the requirements of guiding or directing in such a way that everyone follows the instructions without feeling inferior or left out. Tact or diplomacy can be used to achieve a great purpose, but the intention behind diplomacy plays a vital role. Diplomacy in leadership refers to the use of tact in such a way that negotiations, policies, conflicts, interests, and benefits are agreed upon, and both parties are happy with the outcome. It is a unique skill set that some people have naturally while others develop through practice, trial, and error. A leader who uses diplomacy excels at management, advisory services as well as negotiating the right deals.
However, when we talk about political leaders we have rather a different picture. Political leadership and diplomacy evolved over thousands of years into distinct fields. While a leader can display diplomacy, and a diplomat can display leadership – they are very different roles. There are good reasons for this separation.
1. Political leaders are reliant on domestic electoral or other power bases. This means they focus on domestic events, and domestic stakeholders and supporters influence their decision making. In contrast, diplomats are public servants. Their performance depends solely on standards of integrity and professionalism.
2. In strategic terms, political leadership is an instrument to be brought out at the right time – not on opening. In chess, leadership pieces are played at the right time. The King is vulnerable and is protected, the Queen is powerful and used strategically. Why send the leaders out at the earliest stages? Let the Pawns do the early work, the Knights, Bishops, and Rooks do the set-up, and the King or Queen take the glory.
3. Having leaders play a larger role at the opening, essentially when working-level negotiations are still underway, makes subsequent delegation impossible. The delegate is discounted and is seen as an impediment to the decision-maker.
4. Political leaders are not trained in diplomacy. Politicians profit from rhetoric. They tend towards the emotional, dramatic, sentimental, moral, or exhibitive aspects of interaction. They want “quick fixes” and to “win” or “walk away”. Diplomats profit from reliability, accuracy, patience, modesty, and tact. They seek practical, common sense, outcomes – arriving at a position that best accommodates their needs that are also acceptable to the other side.
5. Most importantly, the idea that political leaders can profit from “friendship”, “trust” or any other form of intuitive supposition made at a summit is mediocre. Diplomatic trust cannot be built through leadership summits. Imagining that three or four meetings within the term of a presidency can achieve what diplomats establish over an entire career belies the concept of diplomatic trust.
All leaders have strengths and weaknesses. It is not about being perfect, it's about playing up your strengths and working on your less desirable traits. Good leadership is about being a better you.
And, the better leader you are, the better your team will be too. To be a good leader, you need to understand that you bring the weather. In other words, the mood and performance of your team will rise and fall depending on whether you are the one who is enthusiastic and positive, or sullen and negative. As Seth Godin quotes: “Leadership is scarce because few people are willing to go through the discomfort required to lead. This scarcity makes leadership valuable. …It is uncomfortable to stand up in front of strangers. It is uncomfortable to propose an idea that might fail. It is uncomfortable to challenge the status quo. It is uncomfortable to resist the urge to settle. When you identify the discomfort, you have found the place where a leader is needed. If you are not uncomfortable in your work as a leader, it is almost certain you are not reaching your potential as a leader.” Good leadership is difficult. And ongoing. And requires relentless effort.
Here are TOP 8 benefits that a diplomatic leader can acquire for self and for his/her organization:
1. Building Trust and Respect: No organization can run smoothly until and unless there are mutual trust and respect among employers, employees, and their clients. Only when an air of confidence and consideration is developed, everyone is able to work smoothly and productively. You can set performance goals and standards only afterward. Diplomatic leaders know how far to push or how much to probe. They don’t intend to harm the self-esteem of any party, just come out at the top with excellence. This is the reason why they give attention to the minutest of detail and are willing to take criticism that can lead to success. The best part? They are full of appreciation and encouragement. They realize how a simple ‘good work’ can lead a long way. They are willing to be flexible and bend down when the need arises, even if it means apologizing to someone lower in position or command. This is what makes them so accessible to everyone.
2. Ethics of the Highest Order: One of the best things that a diplomatic leader is able to do is to maintain ethics of the highest order. They have a standard set of rules and regulations, as well as set business conducts. This may seem like an ordinarily simple task, but it can prove to be very difficult since the agreement has to be reached between two parties. Meeting the demands of both parties while maintaining ethics can only be done by a good leader. They practice their work by setting an example and safeguard the integrity of the organization at all times.
3. Seeking Smooth Solutions: A leader understands that everyone who is involved in work has respect and an idea of how things should be. They are willing to listen to all kinds of opinions and suggestions without belittling anyone. But what sets leaders apart from managers is that they are able to make sure everyone works to their full potential in such a way that they don’t merely benefit the organization, but themselves too. Leaders know that only a happy employee is a productive employee, which is why they keep the interest of the employees at the forefront. Work is assigned in a way that everyone feels important and needed. They encourage dialogue so that everyone can say what’s on their mind and exude ideas that lead to success.
4. Coming Out on Top with Agreement: Very few people are able to negotiate in a manner that is happily agreeable to all parties involved. And this is the quality of a diplomatic leader. They make deals and solve problems while managing conflicts and keeping relationships intact. They realize that leadership is all about considering the opinions and suggestions of both parties and coming up with solutions that both sides are willing to accept. Great leaders lead in a way that no one feels patronized or influenced. True diplomatic leaders do not let their own bias or judgment hinder outcomes. They are willing to give everyone a fair chance and allow them to flourish in their personal regard. They do not project their version of perfection on others and encourage growth.
5. Emotions can be Destructive: This is the number one trick of leaders. You need to understand that feelings ruin deals like nothing else. When you are in a state of agitation, you are likely to only think of what you want. Negotiations can only work well with an open mind. Looking up facts and logical conclusions are a must for diplomacy.
6. Listing down Objects: Having a list of objects in front of you when making a deal or conducting a meeting helps a lot. You are always clear about what needs to be discussed and have arguments or agreements ready. Remember, a diplomatic leader is never caught off guard.
7. Communicate Not State: This is important. If you go in with just your own opinions and ideas, you will never be able to listen to what others have to pitch in. Let them give their suggestions and ponder over them. You never know when someone else may come up with something better or more productive.
8. Let Others Decide for You: This is a very useful trick that can come in very handy at times of deals and negotiations. Instead of making statements or even putting forth suggestions, opt for questions instead. This way the discussion will be yours, the ideas will be yours, but the opposing party will end up thinking they took the decision. You will be surprised by how well the outcome is when you question people instead of suggesting ideas. The art of diplomatic leadership comes with time. You can continue practicing to become an expert within no time. Just remember, in a discussion, negotiation, or even meetings, you are not the only party involved. Keeping in mind others' feelings and opinions will help make things better.
The leaders are not those who follow a holistic vision but also who create their own part of the vision. Yes, for sure we can state that there are specific characteristics leaders have and what is more they are born with that, but more constantly and in practice, we can assure that each of us can be a leader in case we truly understand who is a true leader and why. How strange it will look like from the first sight, it will be much effective if anyone will act like a leader. As Mother Teresa will say, ''Not all of us can do great things, but we can do small things with great love.’’ If we understand the philosophy of small acts and evaluate it in a holistic vision by acting like not only a manager but also a leader, we would reach higher and greater results. As we met in ant strategies for negotiating obstacles - they all work for a holistic vision and each of them is a leader and manager at the same time.
TOP 8 quotes on leadership by famous leaders
1. Do not let your age stop you from changing the world. I was 11 years old when I started speaking out ... I was not thinking for a second that just because I was young I could not change the world. - Malala Yousafzai
2. “The nation will find it very hard to look up to the leaders who are keeping their ears to the ground.” - Winston Churchill
3. "Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other." - John F. Kennedy
4. “It is better to lead from behind and to put others in front, especially when you celebrate victory when nice things occur. You take the front line when there is danger. Then people will appreciate your leadership.” - Nelson Mandela
5. “It is amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit”. - Harry S. Truman
6. “People ask the difference between a leader and a boss. The leader works in the open, and the boss in covert. The leader leads, and the boss drives.” - Theodore Roosevelt
7. “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” – Maya Angelou
8. “To handle yourself, use your head; to handle others, use your heart.” – Eleanor Roosevelt
Top 8 books on leadership
1. 1937 never-out-of-print book How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
2. Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap... and Others Don't – Jim Collins
3. The Loudest Duck: Moving Beyond Diversity while Embracing Differences to Achieve Success at Work – Laura A. Iswood
4. Start with Why - How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action – Simon Sinek
5. Multipliers – How the Best Leaders Make Everyone Smarter - Liz Wiseman with Greg McKeown
6. 3Hag Way – The Strategic Execution System that ensures your strategy is not a Wild-Ass Guess - Shannon Byrne Susko
7. Dare to Lead – Brave Work, Tough Conversations, Whole Hearts - Brené Brown
8. Build an A Team – Play up to Their Strengths and Lead Them Up the Learning Curve - Whitney Johnson
Sources
- Top 5 Leadership Development Trends For 2020 https://www.forbes.com/sites/kevinkruse/2020/01/15/top-5-leadership-development-trends-for-2020/#6f9a84d11f3a
- The Art of Leadership and Diplomacy https://moderndiplomacy.eu/2017/10/26/the-art-of-leadership-and-diplomacy/
- Political leadership versus diplomacy https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/political-leadership-versus-diplomacy
- In the age of COVID-19, world leaders struggle to adjust to online diplomacy https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2020/05/07/national/politics-diplomacy/coronavirus-world-leaders-online-diplomacy/#.XwwfBSgzbIU
- WHAT MAKES A GOOD LEADER IN 2020 - THE DEFINITIVE GUIDE https://www.thegrowthfaculty.com/blog/Definitiveguidetoleadershipqualities
- ANT STRATEGIES FOR NEGOTIATING OBSTACLES https://jeb.biologists.org/content/jexbio/214/1/iii.full.pdf
- How Ant Colony Philosophy Can Be Applied to Business Strategy? https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-ant-colony-philosophy-can-applied-business-strategy-saher-ghattas/
- 10 Powerful Quotes on Leadership https://www.success.com/10-powerful-quotes-on-leadership/
- 100 Best Quotes On Leadership https://www.forbes.com/sites/kevinkruse/2012/10/16/quotes-on-leadership/#76028abc2feb