Business Diplomat: Three Words

A name tells people what to expect. In this part of its interview series, Business Diplomat asks a practising diplomat what its own name brings to mind. Lana Jalagonia answers with three associations, each explained from experience.

Negotiation as the first association

First association: negotiation
“The first and strongest association for me is negotiation, because I see a very direct connection between traditional diplomacy and business diplomacy.”
In both, one represents interests but cannot simply insist on a position. One must “understand the interests and priorities of the other side, identify areas of common ground, know where you can compromise, and at the same time protect the interests you are representing.” And the aim is not for one side to “win” but “to find an outcome that makes continued cooperation possible.” She adds that, in her experience with international partners, “the way you negotiate can be just as important as the final agreement.”

Relationship-building and trust

Second association: relationship-building
“You may disagree on a particular issue today but still need to work with the same counterpart tomorrow.”
Professionalism, trust and credibility become part of the negotiation itself. A Business Diplomat, she says, must “separate the issue being negotiated from the relationship with the person on the other side of the table.”

Strategic representation

Third association: strategic representation
A diplomat represents a country or institution; a Business Diplomat represents a company, organisation or business interest. In both cases this requires more than stating a position: “You need to understand the wider political, economic and cultural context, anticipate sensitivities, communicate carefully and know when a particular approach will help or hinder your objectives.”

What the three share

What the three share
Jalagonia concludes that the context differs but the core skills are remarkably similar: “success depends on understanding people, interests, and context — and on finding a way to move the different sides toward a workable agreement while preserving the relationship for the future.”

The logic of the assessment
Negotiation gives the method, relationship-building gives the horizon, and strategic representation gives the setting. The three work together: a representative who negotiates well and keeps relationships intact in full awareness of context.

The role of Business Diplomat

The role of Business Diplomat
The platform’s mission is to give young people experience, bring a diplomatic order to the business world, and benefit states by revitalising the economy. Jalagonia’s three words offer a useful summary of what the platform’s name promises: negotiation that preserves cooperation, relationships that outlast disagreements, and representation that understands context.

Conclusion
For a practising diplomat, Business Diplomat means negotiation, relationship-building and strategic representation, three skills diplomacy and business share. Business Diplomat aims to build them in its young professionals.