Business Diplomat: Four Qualities

Note: The views expressed in this article are Nazgul Zholdosh’s personal views and do not represent the official position of the Kyrgyz Youth Parliament or any other institution or organisation.

Knowledge can be learned from books. Character is harder to teach. In this part of its interview series, Business Diplomat presents Nazgul Zholdosh’s list of the qualities a business diplomat needs.

First observation: the list
She names the key qualities: “strategic thinking, tact, intercultural competence, and a high level of communication skills.”

Second observation: what each adds
Strategic thinking lets a business diplomat see beyond the next meeting and fit each step into a long-term aim. Tact allows sensitive subjects to be raised without damaging the relationship. Intercultural competence means understanding why a partner behaves as they do. Communication skills carry all three into practice, because an idea that cannot be conveyed cannot be used.

The logic of the assessment
Three of the four qualities are about people, not about technical knowledge. Tact, intercultural competence and communication all concern how another person receives what is said. This explains why two negotiators with the same information can reach different results.

The role of Business Diplomat
For a platform that aims to give young people experience, bring a diplomatic order to the business world, and benefit states by revitalising the economy, the list works as a selection and training guide. Qualities such as tact are developed through practice and feedback, and a platform that gives young people real situations can build them.

Conclusion
A strategic mind, tact, cultural understanding and strong communication are what turn knowledge into results. Zholdosh’s list is short, and each item can be trained.