US NRC Blog Update: Following Protocol Isn't Always Easy
U.S. NRC Blog |
Following Protocol Isn’t Always Easyby Moderator |
“Protocol
is creating the right conditions for business and diplomacy to
succeed.” Chris Young, President, Protocol and Diplomacy, International
Protocol Officers Association
As
the Director of Protocol at the NRC, my days are always varied, filled
with details and consistently focused on making sure that the agency is
represented in the most positive and appropriate way possible.
What exactly is “protocol” you might ask?
Have
you ever watched an event, a ceremony, a half-time show, maybe the
presidential inauguration or State of the Union Address and wondered
“Who puts that together?” or “Oh no, that doesn’t look right.” Well, the
people behind the scenes planning, coordinating, and putting all the
final touches together are event planners, or—in the case of the
NRC—protocol officers.
Protocol
is defined as the customs and regulations dealing with diplomatic
formality, precedence, and etiquette. The NRC Office of Protocol was
established in 2007 to ensure these customs and regulations are followed
in order to be consistent with other government agencies and to support
the Commission in all matters of protocol.
Protocol
Specialist Susan Wittick and I make up the Protocol team at the NRC. We
are sometimes responsible for an entire event, but more typically we
work with designated office points of contact or organizing committees
to make sure all aspects of event planning and the unforeseen have been
considered for events where the Chairman or Commission have an active
role. The involvement of the Office of Protocol in the beginning of an
event helps ensure smooth coordination, and attention to logistics and
details.
When
protocol activities are done properly, they are not noticeable –
everyone and everything is in place, works smoothly and represents the
host or organization well. However, major gaffes can make headlines –
especially when unauthorized people “crash the party”-- but even smaller
issues can be embarrassing.
During
a recent newscast, I saw a good example of why attention to detail is
so important. The segment showed a ribbon-cutting ceremony where the
large, ceremonial scissors being used didn’t actually cut! As a protocol
officer, I couldn’t help thinking, how could this have happened? Why
weren’t the scissors tested prior to the event, especially if it was
being covered by reporters? These are the sorts of details that protocol
officers are trained to address. We also help make sure proper orders
of precedence are used during special events, that flags are used and
positioned correctly, and that proper courtesies, dietary restrictions
and gifts are part of our hosting of international delegations.
At
the NRC, we keep our guest lists accurate and our scissors sharp! It is
important that the agency be properly represented. A first impression
is lasting!
Kim Sargent
Director of Protocol
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