KSR Diplomacy Diary: 12. A Diplomat’s Qualities

12. A Diplomat’s Qualities
‘Clever, skilled in observation,
and in judging the minds of others,
in speech precise, and also wise,
such should the king’s ambassador be.
‘Eloquent, and a talker wise,
able to handle opposition,
steadfast, speaking as instructed,
such should an ambassador be.’
[Kautilya Arathashastra, translated by AND Haksar, Chanakya Niti Penguin Classics, New Delhi, 2020].
1. Harold Nicholson focused on four qualities that a diplomat needs: truthfulness, precision, calmness and modesty. We may add to this a need for integrity, persuasive skills, and a sense of hospitality and welcome. I learnt from an outstanding Singapore diplomat, Ong Keng Yong, the value of creating a wide network of international friends, and investing in long-term relations with them.
2. An old debate: should the diplomat be a generalist or a specialist. It is not a matter of choosing one over the other; the modern diplomat needs both, to be a ‘specialised generalist’. Thus, after eight or 10 years in the profession, she will perhaps speak two foreign languages (with the related area specialization) and will hold one or two functional specialities, covering the fields that are vital international affairs, be it environment issues, trade negotiations, financial affairs or others. No individual can master all specialities, but the foreign ministry or an embassy will have access to a range of specialities. The official must also master information and communication technology (ICT) including the social media, and have broad interest in technology issues
3. As for professional skills, the list is long. One also needs a sense of curiosity, genuine interest in other people, and intercultural skills. The diplomat, especially an Ambassador cannot afford to be over-identified with a special cluster of personal friends, because this can indirectly inhibit contacts with others. Further, their own diaspora will closely observe their conduct. It is essential to be open to all. It is also important to show respect to the embassy’s local staff, who are now used in quasi-diplomatic roles, be it in economic or public diplomacy, and for contact building. An example: Botswana had in New Delhi in 2009-12 an exceptional High Commissioner, Dorcas Kgosietsile. She and her deputy, Zenene Sinombe were among the best diplomats at that time. My fruitful relationship with them began with a simple query about the flag-pin that the High Commissioner wore at a reception.

[@praveensharma5026]

Thank you very much Excellency ambassador sir Ji. After knowing IFS ...It's been 2 years, the day I decided to be an IFS Officer. I'm preparing for UPSC now. Please I don't have my grandfather, if he would be. I could have a conversation with him. But I see you in place of him. Please give your blessings to me. Please keep uploading video on Diplomacy. 🙂Thank you Ambassador Dada ji.

[@kishanrana7728]

Praveen, you honour me too much. But I am touched. Work hard and have a clear goal. Also, think in a strategic way -- what are my aims? Do I have the resources? Can I learn all that is needed? Am I realistic? AND always recheck if you are on the right track. It also pays to have a Plan B, and even a Plan C. The Civil Services Exam is always, partly, a matter of chance. No one can be certain of the outcome. My book: 'Diplomacy at the Cutting Edge' is on the net for FREE download. The 2nd chapter deals with my UPSC experience, esp. the interview, and how I was almost demolished by the great historian KM Panikkar -- all over a silly mistake on my part, confusing the origin of coffee and cocoa! ...My learning from that: Sometimes the best answer is: I don't know!

[@praveensharma5026]

@@kishanrana7728 ☺️Thank you dada ji..For replying me. For prep of ifs. I have my plane B. Actually...For ifs...I took a course { BA (hons) in Foreign language} from Aligarh Muslim University. I cracked the entrance exam in my second attempt. Got German Language 🇩🇪. I took this just because it can help me in IFS and in others like working in MNc in Germany or india. I have two aims very clear...First is IFS and Second is...Working in private sector. ..For resources..(for prep of civil service) nowadays we have internet we can get what we want about knowledge related to upsc. Just one need to know how to utilize it. Yes dada ji...As far as ...I believe and can think..My plans are realistic and me too. And yes. I will always recheck myself...Am I on right path.. thank you for guiding me dada ji. ☺️🙏🌼🌸💕

[@tilleternity]

Brilliant thank you

[@ReginaSijali]

Im 17 and planning to become a diplomat 🥲i have learned sooo much from this 🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@tansholpanaitzhanova0705]

I'm such happy to find your KZbin channel grampa😇i too want to become a diplomat Please take more videos about this job🙂

[@jaspreet6124]

THANKYOU SO MUCH SIR.... REALLY APPRECIATE

[@ManjitSingh-cw3rr]

Thank you sir

[@shreyajain1117]

Thank you Sir 😊

[@tilleternity]

Brilliant

[@Drvenuyadav]

Very good explanation sir

[@kushalsinghmeena8729]

I am a fan of ur accent sir. one day i also becoming an ifs officer please give me ur fruitful blessings sir. Gratitude to u 🤗 🙏

[@sachi2329]

Sir, You are amazing, Thank you very much.

[@kishanrana7728]

Many thanks, Sachi. Keep doing good works! Best wishes, Kishan

[@lizzybusy7937]

We are way too thankful to you for such sort of lectures...

[@kishanrana7728]

Many thanks for your kind words, Lizzy

[@lizzybusy7937]

@@kishanrana7728 sir please bestow us with some live q and a sessions

[@lizzybusy7937]

Sir please upload more videos ...

[@deniskumar3435]

Thank you, your Excellency, for sharing with us, based on your experiences and observations, the qualities and skills of a diplomat.

[@kishanrana7728]

Many thanks for your comment. Kishan

[@deniskumar3435]

@@kishanrana7728 It would be very interesting to hear from you, but only not to make you burdened, about corporate diplomacy from the corporation's perspective - how corporation's representative offices abroad can advance their interests and conduct negotiations with a host country's local authorities. For me it is very relevant as I am currently working in a major Russian corporation's representative office in Bangladesh.

[@nitathapa9093]

Thank you sir for this wonderful and inspiring video. Watching from Nepal.

[@birendrabist402]

Hello,Nita. I hope you are interested to become Ambassador or diplomat, Are you?

[@amitbisht1369]

This channel is a gold mine sir . Keep it up

[@ambkishanrana]

Many thanks for your support. Much welcome. Kishan

[@litonchakrabortymithun7232]

Respect and love from Bangladesh. ❤💚💗

[@ambkishanrana]

Many thanks, my friend. Keep well and safe. Joi Bangladesh! Kishan

[@kishanrana7728]

Many thanks, Liton. Bangladesh is so close to us that the recent improvements in our relations are a matter of great joy for me, and for all Indians. Joi Bangla!

[@rookiej5587]

Thank you sir for creating this channel. I just discovered this video today. I aspire to be a diplomat. Could you please clarify if being an introvert would be a barrier in the career as a diplomat?

[@kishanrana7728]

Fine Q. No, an introvert can also be a good diplomat -- provided that person is really interested in other people and is willing to INVEST in building relationship. One thing is clear: diplomacy accommodates different kinds of people. The extrovert can sometimes be too much of a pusher. The key: balance, good judgment, and sincerity. And above all, HONESTY in dealing with people. Read what Harold Nicolson said about a 'Diplomat's Qualities' -- check with Uncle Google! Thanks.

[@nidhiraj2728]

Great Video Sir.👍🏽 Would love a video on how to sharpen diplomatic skills. If you could share specific strategies to do the same it would be wonderful.

[@ambkishanrana]

I have addressed this in my conversations. Specific questions welcome.

[@kishanrana7728]

Let me reflect a bit on that idea. I am thinking of recording a new series of videos. Perhaps I should include that. Many thanks, NIdhi

[@ameyak2339]

Great Video Sir, if possible please share some of your experiences that you had in your career as a diplomat.

[@ambkishanrana]

My book 'Diplomacy at the Cutting Edge' (2016), narrates the experience of 35 years in the Indian Foreign Service. It is available for free download at: www.diplomacy.edu/resources/books/diplomacy-cutting-edge Do pl take a look. Best wishes, Kishan S Rana

[@ameyak2339]

@@ambkishanrana Thank you very much sir will definitely read the book

[@akkirakki]

Thanks for the video, ambassador sir. Can you please make a video series on the evolution of Indian foreign policy since Independence ? It would be really helpful for UPSC aspirants.

[@ambkishanrana]

Thanks. Do pl see the August 2019 Goenka Lecture by EAM Jaishankar -- it covers very well the wide canvas of India's post-Indepencence foreign policy.

[@akkirakki]

@@ambkishanrana thank you ambassador sir.

[@tansholpanaitzhanova0705]

Hello from Kazakhstan 🇰🇿

[@kishanrana7728]

My greetings and thanks to all of you that have offered kind thoughts. Technology allows us to connect with a wide family of humanity. So much to appreciate, savour and enjoy. Keep well, all of you. Warm regards, Kishan

[@crazyphoton5111]

Idk how to pay my regards , thank you soo much sir!🙏🇮🇳

[@kishanrana7728]

Many thanks for your appreciation. I wish you well in your activities. Kishan

[@devitorizqi3642]

Hello sir, do you have any book recomendations about the credibility of being a diplomat/foreign officers?

[@kishanrana7728]

Thanks, Devit. I have a book, published in 2011: "Diplomacy for the 21st Century: A Practitioner Guide", (Continuum, New York, 2011). Chapter 13 of the book deals with 'Professional Qualities'. Please try and get hold of that. That also touches on the issue of credibility. Best wishes, Kishan

[@tansholpanaitzhanova0705]

Wow you are rich grampa😍

[@kishanrana7728]

Thanks. I hope you mean rich in a non-financial way! But seriously, I am rich in friends like you. I am touched that you call me 'grampa'. Technically, since Feb 2021, I am even a great-grandpa! Such joy!! Best wishes, Kishan