Personal reflections: navigating between traditions and technologies
I was recently reminded that I have now celebrated four years at Protocol International. This has given me time to reflect on my career and how protocol has evolved over the years. Protocol has provided me with many exciting opportunities; from a long career with opportunity for professional growth at NATO, to exciting opportunities at Protocol International where I had the privilege of experiencing and supporting a wide variety of events like; the Invictus Games, World Economic Forum, an audience with the Dalai Lama, consulting with the United Nations, training with the EU, US military, NATO and so on. Recently, my business partner Mark Verheul sat on a virtual panel sharing how diverse perspectives helps to better understand how intercultural recognition plays a pivotal role in everything from strategic negotiations to boots-on-the-ground missions. After the event, Marie Betts-Johnson asked about the issue of cognitive security and how it relates to protocol.
Marie’s question got me thinking how protocol officers are unique and pertinent. We have long been evaluating the nuances, listening to the “sous-entendu” or “listening to the air” to understand what is “not” being said rather than what “is” being said. We understand the value of perception and misperceptions.
Cognitive security is a field focused on protecting human decision-making and perception from manipulation by malicious actors. It involves understanding how cognitive processes can be targeted by threats and developing strategies to mitigate those risks. Essentially, it's about safeguarding the human mind from misinformation, emotional manipulation, and other tactics used to influence behavior and decision-making, especially in the context of cybersecurity.
As the guardians of civility and proper decorum, protocol officers use emotional intelligence to gage situations, to filter information from misinformation and to set the stage to influence behaviour and decision-making for business and diplomacy to succeed.
Protocol ensures formalities, conduct and communication standards in diplomacy. It establishes trust, clarity and mutual respect. Cognitive security is now a frontline concern for diplomacy & protocol. As the battlefield shifts from borders to minds, diplomats must navigate an environment where perception is as vital as policy. Building resilience against manipulation, maintaining the integrity of communications, and reinforcing shared norms are essential to preserving diplomacy’s role as a stabilizing force in global affairs.
While the foundation of protocol may be based on traditions, precedence, and rules – emerging technologies are highlighting the need for human solutions in a digital world. So long as there is interaction or digital interdependence, it is our human skills that will keep us in control of technology. As protocol officers our professional lives are impacted by current events. We need to stay vigilant and agile while creating an environment of respect, trust and stability.
This week at the NATO Summit, allies in The Hague made decisions about defence, cybersecurity and new threats. While not every emerging technology will alter the business or the social landscape – some truly do have the potential to disrupt the status quo, alter the way people live and work, and rearrange value pools. We live in volatile times – the geopolitical landscape changes rapidly.
Throughout all these evolutions protocol officers will continue to:
- maintain personal decorum in all things
- remember the importance of time and timing
- think on our feet; be astute
- use proper communication
- understand not just the meaning but the essence of key terms like precedence
- set an example
- understand our functions
- read widely
- enhance our knowledge of international affairs
- espouse the practice of service to humanity
Protocol is definitely not a job for the faint-hearted!
