For most managers, it becomes obvious that the communication features of Russian companies are less likely to take into account the importance of observing protocol rules than foreign ones. And cooperation with international business requires knowledge of the subtleties and nuances of the protocol practice of the countries with which partnerships are being built. In this regard, it is important to take into account a variety of aspects: from the status of your guest and his colleagues to the decorative elements in the hall where negotiations are planned. All these are factors of successful business management, no less fundamental than a properly drawn up contract or a profitable commercial offer.
We talked about what a “business protocol” is today and its features with Nikolai Dmitriev, consultants on business protocol and GR strategies.
Nikolay Anatolyevich Dmitriev, a member of the National Association of Protocol Specialists, an expert, advises representatives of Russian business on business protocol and GR, and actively interacts with government authorities.
The author of trainings and publications on the topic of the protocol.
In the past, he was the head of the protocol service.
Nikolai, tell me, what is the business protocol for you?
Speaking in the usual language, a business protocol is a set of rules and procedures that determine how meetings, negotiations, presentations and other types of events should take place. It includes aspects such as etiquette, communication. However, for me it is an opportunity to establish trusting relationships between partners and create a favorable atmosphere for successful business. We even have a motto in the National Association of Protocol Specialists, of which I am a member – “Rules give birth to freedom!”. It seems to me that this more accurately reflects the essence, content and meaning of the protocol today. At the same time, it is important to remember that any event at which your supervisor (if you are a protocol service) or your partner is present becomes protocol.
What are the risks for a company in case of non-compliance with business protocol?
Failure to comply with the rules of business protocol can lead to the most negative consequences. First of all, it undermines the trust of partners. If, for example, at a meeting, you demonstrated disrespect for the status of a guest by your ignorance, believe me, this can significantly affect the course of further cooperation, if it takes place at all. Loss of business opportunities, damage to reputation – all these are real risks. In some cases, non-compliance with business communication standards leads to legal problems. If you do not comply with the rules of confidentiality or violate the laws on the prevention of corruption, the result may be sad.
Are there any little things in the protocol?
The concept of “little things” does not exist in the protocol, since it is the details that are important for creating a favorable atmosphere at your event: the correct use of symbols, attributes of the ceremony, understanding the norms of behavior at a meeting, at a table, etc. All this affects the impression that the company makes on its partners. I call it the “aftertaste.” At the same time, it is very important to understand the needs and preferences of the guests, to ensure that everything goes according to a pre-developed plan in order to avoid unpleasant surprises and surprises. Remember, “Kant’s categorical imperative says: “Act in such a way that you always treat humanity, both in your own person and in the person of everyone else, as an end, and never only as a means.” And in simple words, do what you want to be done to you. This is the law in the protocol.
What influences the result when conducting protocol events?
The planning and program of the event – everything must be clearly distributed and calculated. But, as in any process, when organizing protocol events, the main thing, of course, is the people who do this work. The application of protocol norms in business communication has become relevant today not only in the diplomatic environment, but also in the business community. At the same time, it is not so easy to find professionals in the field of protocol and etiquette. Currently, only a few universities in the Russian Federation have developed training courses on protocol topics. Through the efforts of the National Association of Protocol Specialists, the Professional Standard “Protocol Service Specialist” has been developed, which was approved by Order No. 52n of the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Russian Federation dated 30.01.2023 and entered into force on September 1, 2023.
At the end of our interview, I would ask you to give advice to beginners or those interested in the topic of business protocol.
I would not give any specific advice and recommendations. I always say in my trainings that the protocol is interesting because there are no template solutions in it. There are rules, but their application depends on the specific task and its conditions. Therefore, I’d rather take advantage of the opportunity and, on the eve of the upcoming holidays, wish you the ability to find solutions in any situation. Let your skills become the basis for creating comfortable and successful business meetings, the result of which will be a significant result. Happy New Year!
Earlier, Nikolai Dmitriev took part in a meeting of the International Discussion Club “VISION 3000”, the agenda of which was “Protocol today, or how changes in the global context affect the rules of official communication.”