Soft Diplomacy is Not Hard
Soft diplomacy is defined as the art of dealing with people in a sensitive and effective way. Sometimes an oxymoron in the world of politics, it’s a must in the travel and tourism industry.
You are a diplomat.
If you work in hospitality, your role extends far beyond the service sector. You are a diplomat.?
Diplomacy is deeply personal for me. Not only do I currently spend much of my time discussing the future of the travel and tourism with dignitaries (Heads of States, Ambassadors, Commerce and Tourism Ministers, Et al.), my father was a?Diplomat and a Gentleman .?
During his time with the State Department and as a former U.S. ambassador, I was a “third culture kid.” Growing up in Latin America and Eastern Europe, we returned “home” to the United States every couple of years. Often, I’d find certain aspects of American culture “foreign.”?
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We're all more alike than we are different, but differences should be appreciated too.
Looking back, it was gift and one I’ve tried to replicate for my own children. It opened my eyes to appreciating we’re all more alike than we are different, but that differences should be appreciated too.
Our associates live and work in 136 countries and territories and collectively speak more than 85 different languages. It’s not unusual for hotel staffing rosters to be comprised of individuals from many different cultures who welcome guests from even more.
Diplomacy in action with travel as a catalyst ...
For the hundreds of thousands of? 万豪酒店 ?associates who bring hotels to life all over the world, “welcoming all” is more than just a hospitality best practice. It’s diplomacy in action with travel as a catalyst for expanding and deepening personal ties, enabling shared economic growth, and enhancing the vital work of traditional diplomacy between governments.
Everyone who works in our properties and at others around the world – from tropical island resorts to city skyscrapers and from villas to yachts – has more than a job. You have a career tied to a calling that can change the trajectory of communities, countries, and humanity.
Soft diplomacy is not hard -- You just have to spot the chance to be diplomatic …?
Manager of Events at Accor
1 年I always watch your videos and read your posts and this has helped me alot in my career. I started as Associate in Marriott as my first job & became Manager- Event management with in the company. Your thoughts are so insightful and can help many emerging leaders across the globe to groom their skills. I left company few months back but your ideas & great thoughts i implement on myself everyday in my current organisation as well. #keepsharing #valuable Craig S. Smith sir
Experienced Sales & Marketing Executive
1 年Craig you are an inspiration. Thank you for so many years. True leader !
President, Cynthia Goins & Associates
1 年This is a great Craig!
Vice President Global Design, Caribbean and Latin America, at Marriott International
1 年I agree with you Craig 100%. This is a great article!
AIA International Architect/Project Manager
1 年Love this. #Hector L Oliva