Who We Are
The Diplomats' Washington Inc. is an independent organization dedicated to helping diplomats and international corporate personnel acquire the insights and tools necessary to work effectively with Americans, the Federal Government, private industry, and the American media.
Why Our Services Are So Critically Important
American movies and television have made the United States, its people, and Washington, D.C. seemingly familiar territory for everyone around the world, yet the stereotypic U.S. depicted by Hollywood and television is misleading. In reality, very few non-natives actually know the United States and Americans, and even fewer understand this country and its citizens. In no place is this more crucial than in Washington, D.C., with its kaleidoscope of well-recognized plus lesser-known backroom power centers, and its uniquely American inner workings.
The problem lies not with the qualifications or efforts of foreign-born representatives but rather with the culturally-specific professional and social expectations here in the U.S. and Washington, D.C.
Most non-U.S. governmental and industry representatives posted in the United States are completely unaware of the deep cultural divide which separates them from Americans. Unfortunately, these unrecognized cultural differences actually determine whether one works successfully in the United States or not. Precious time, capital investment, and entrée are lost as these representatives unwittingly make mistakes and fail to understand the American professional arena. Determining the differences, and learning how to work effectively within the American system, take not weeks or months, but years. Often, the diplomat or international employee's posting is just about over when he or she finally grasps the system and becomes successful. A new replacement follows, and the frustrating, long learning curve starts all over. Time, money, and opportunities are wasted yet again.
This problem is not specific to any one nation or continent, but rather a dilemma all foreign envoys face when they enter the American environment.
The Diplomats' Washington, Inc. works first to dispel the myths about the U.S. and Americans and then to illuminate the unwritten professional, social, and cultural expectations which can cause misunderstanding and frustration. Throughout its various seminars and workshops, trainers and expert speakers offer crucial insights into the American mentality, the American political system, the workings of Capitol Hill, and the American media. Seminar participants leave the sessions with the tools required to bridge the cultural gaps and to work effectively and efficiently in both the United States and in our Nation's Capital.
Why We Are Different
There are many think tanks and organizations which offer theory; we provide our seminar participants with the practical information they need to be highly effective in Washington, D.C. and across the United States.