Ambassador Series: 3 Things to Know Before Becoming an Ambassador
February 14, 2021
This post was written by Brian Harris. Brian is an intern with the Alhambra US Chamber.
On January 23rd, former Lebanese Ambassador Hicham Hamdan offered his views into the professional and personal life of an ambassador at a Q&A hosted by the Alhambra US Chamber. Moderator Bina Mathews facilitated a seamless discussion. During the Q&A session, Ambassador Hamdan discussed several points regarding ambassadorship, including a special focus on the importance of critical thinking, cross-cultural understanding, and the impact the profession has on an ambassador’s personal life.
Check out the following three things you should know before becoming an ambassador:
1. Critical Thinking and Knowledge is Key
According to Ambassador Hamdan, “Diplomacy is one of the noblest services that one can give to his homeland.” Critical thinking can be defined as a mode of thinking which includes deep analysis, synthesis, and evaluation of information gathered from observation or experience. As an ambassador, you defend your home country against any external or internal threats. One might question how a single individual can have such a big impact on security. Ambassadors have the challenging task of resolving issues before they become crises, which require quick critical thinking. Not everyone has developed the required critical thinking skills. In addition, Ambassador Hamdan believes that ambassadorship requires vast knowledge. However, he emphasized that an individual’s knowledge must transcend simple book smarts. To succeed as an ambassador, you must use your personal experiences to enhance critical thinking skills. Knowledge acquired as a result of personal experience is viewed as the cream of the crop.
2. Effective Diplomacy Requires Cross-Cultural Understanding
Diplomats encounter various cultures. Before traveling to another country, you must be well-informed about that culture, including how people think and behave. During the Q&A, Ambassador Hamdan stated, “If you know the culture, you know how to speak to others. The best way to bring your message in diplomacy is to put yourself in their shoes. You must know how to address people and talk to them.” First impressions are key. Avoid embarrassment and offending others by doing research beforehand. Remember that you are no longer solely representing yourself, but rather your country. Ambassador Hamdan stressed the importance of being knowledgeable about food and drinks. Be sure to know what types of food and drinks are culturally accepted by different groups of people. For example, some diplomats come from countries in which people do not drink alcohol.
3. Family Life Can Be Challenging
Although being an ambassador is rewarding in many ways, the career can be a double-edged sword. Ambassador Hamdan claimed, “The most difficult thing is being away from your country, friends, family, and everything you’re accustomed to.” With this in mind, being a diplomat may not be the ideal career choice for those who would like to settle down with a family. According to Ambassador Hamdan, “Culturally, it is difficult for diplomats’ children to grow up in one country and then return to their home country.” Ambassador Hamdan’s children speak Arabic and 4-5 additional languages, but they cannot write in Arabic, and have found the separation from their father to be especially difficult. Although diplomacy may be hard for those interested in staying at home with a family, Ambassador Hamdan offered reassurance that it depends on the country one is representing.
As a diplomat you are able to bring some culture home that your people would enjoy as well. While serving as a representative to ensure international peace and security, you also promote bilateral goodwill and economic relationships. Without mutual understanding and quality rapport, conflicts arise. Keep in mind that a diplomat should strive to have a positive effect on both communities: the one they visit as well as the one they represent. If you are considering a career as a diplomat, immerse yourself in international affairs.
Should you have burning questions or interest in further insights, please consider attending our future Ambassador Series Q&As! Our next speaker is indicated on our website and we hope to see you there.
