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Protocol: The Power of Diplomacy and How to Make It Work for You
President Obama’s former United States chief of protocol looks at why etiquette and diplomacy matter—and what they can do for you.
History often appears to consist of big gestures and dramatic shifts. But for every peace treaty signed, someone set the stage and provided the pen. As social secretary to the Clintons for eight years, and more recently as chief of protocol under President Obama, Capricia Penavic Marshall has not just borne witness to history, she facilitated it. For Marshall, diplomacy runs on the invisible gesture: the micro moves that affect the macro shifts. Facilitation is power, and, more often than not, it is the key to effective diplomacy.
In Protocol, Marshall draws on her experience working at the highest levels of government to show how she enabled interactions and maximized our country’s relationships, all by focusing on the specifics of political, diplomatic, and cultural etiquette. By analyzing the lessons she’s learned in more than two decades of welcoming world leaders to the United States and traveling abroad with presidents, first ladies, and secretaries of state, she demonstrates the complexity of human interactions and celebrates the power of detail and cultural IQ. From selecting the ideal room for each interaction to recognizing gestures and actions that might be viewed as controversial in other countries, Marshall brings us a master class in soft power.
Protocol provides an unvarnished, behind-the-scenes look at politics and diplomacy from a unique perspective that also serves as an effective, accessible guide for anyone who wants to be empowered by the tools of diplomacy in work and everyday life.
History often appears to consist of big gestures and dramatic shifts. But for every peace treaty signed, someone set the stage and provided the pen. As social secretary to the Clintons for eight years, and more recently as chief of protocol under President Obama, Capricia Penavic Marshall has not just borne witness to history, she facilitated it. For Marshall, diplomacy runs on the invisible gesture: the micro moves that affect the macro shifts. Facilitation is power, and, more often than not, it is the key to effective diplomacy.
In Protocol, Marshall draws on her experience working at the highest levels of government to show how she enabled interactions and maximized our country’s relationships, all by focusing on the specifics of political, diplomatic, and cultural etiquette. By analyzing the lessons she’s learned in more than two decades of welcoming world leaders to the United States and traveling abroad with presidents, first ladies, and secretaries of state, she demonstrates the complexity of human interactions and celebrates the power of detail and cultural IQ. From selecting the ideal room for each interaction to recognizing gestures and actions that might be viewed as controversial in other countries, Marshall brings us a master class in soft power.
Protocol provides an unvarnished, behind-the-scenes look at politics and diplomacy from a unique perspective that also serves as an effective, accessible guide for anyone who wants to be empowered by the tools of diplomacy in work and everyday life.
448 pages, Hardcover
First published June 23, 2020
247 people are currently reading
2113 people want to read
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June 18, 2020Can’t wait to read these insights AND pretend Obama is still POTUS.
August 6, 2020
This was a great book to understand etiquette, diplomacy, and social interactions at all levels of society. The author is a veteran of white house social programs and former chief of WHite House Protocol, so she knows of what she writes. It is easy to read, filled with anecdotes, and gives lots of advice for anyone starting out in the world either in business or government.
Due to the fact that the author worked for the Clinton's and Obama's, most of her stories deal with those years. What i found truly distracting and unnecessary though was the adulation and seemingly fawning tributes to those individuals. For Example Hillary: "One of the great diplomats of our time;"Level headed Secretary; Hillary's hair always looked fabulous." Barack Obama:" No one epitomized classy cool like him." Michelle Obama: "Brilliantly pulled off a saffron colored brocade dress" There were also plaudits for Bill and Chelsea Clinton and Sonya Sotomayor. Even a major diplomatic blunder of President Obama bowing to the Japanese Emperor while acknowledged, was explained away as part of his cultural upbringing. Dont get me wrong, this is quite a valuable book to read, It will just require one to suspend belief that the Obama's and Clinton's were the best and smartest people in the whole world.
Due to the fact that the author worked for the Clinton's and Obama's, most of her stories deal with those years. What i found truly distracting and unnecessary though was the adulation and seemingly fawning tributes to those individuals. For Example Hillary: "One of the great diplomats of our time;"Level headed Secretary; Hillary's hair always looked fabulous." Barack Obama:" No one epitomized classy cool like him." Michelle Obama: "Brilliantly pulled off a saffron colored brocade dress" There were also plaudits for Bill and Chelsea Clinton and Sonya Sotomayor. Even a major diplomatic blunder of President Obama bowing to the Japanese Emperor while acknowledged, was explained away as part of his cultural upbringing. Dont get me wrong, this is quite a valuable book to read, It will just require one to suspend belief that the Obama's and Clinton's were the best and smartest people in the whole world.
October 26, 2025
Capricia Penavic Marshall is an American lawyer whose career has included high-profile stints in several Democratic presidential administrations, including Deputy Assistant to the President and White House Social Secretary during the Clinton administration, US Chief of Protocol during the first Obama administration, and close work with Hillary Clinton from the 90s-10s. Since her departure from the Obama administration in 2013, she's worked in the private sector as a DC-based consultant.
Marshall's 2020 book Protocol is part behind-the-scenes political memoir, part-etiquette, regulations and survival guide should readers ever find themselves in situations of international diplomacy. This was an interesting read, though I think it tried to tackle too much for too many audiences all at once. I didn't need a narrated appendix listing in which countries single or double cheek kisses are an appropriate or expected greeting. I enjoyed the memoir elements more than the protocol manuals, though obviously given Marshall's job history, she writes in a way that curries favor with certain figures over others.
Further reading: etiquette, policy and diplomacy
No Higher Honor: A Memoir of My Years in Washington by Condoleezza Rice - an interesting inside look at the role of Secretary of State, which is another primarily diplomatic position
Mind Your Manners: How to Be Your Best Self in Any Situation by Sara Jane Ho
My statistics:
Book 326 for 2025
Book 2252 cumulatively
Marshall's 2020 book Protocol is part behind-the-scenes political memoir, part-etiquette, regulations and survival guide should readers ever find themselves in situations of international diplomacy. This was an interesting read, though I think it tried to tackle too much for too many audiences all at once. I didn't need a narrated appendix listing in which countries single or double cheek kisses are an appropriate or expected greeting. I enjoyed the memoir elements more than the protocol manuals, though obviously given Marshall's job history, she writes in a way that curries favor with certain figures over others.
Further reading: etiquette, policy and diplomacy
No Higher Honor: A Memoir of My Years in Washington by Condoleezza Rice - an interesting inside look at the role of Secretary of State, which is another primarily diplomatic position
Mind Your Manners: How to Be Your Best Self in Any Situation by Sara Jane Ho
My statistics:
Book 326 for 2025
Book 2252 cumulatively
July 2, 2020
This book was Stevo's Business Book of the Week for the week of 6/28 and a Best of the Best for July 2020, as selected by Stevo's Book Reviews on the Internet and Stevo's Novel Ideas. When the notion of basic civility seems to be endangered, "Protocol" reminds us how critical these principles are while providing an accessible guide for anyone who wants to be empowered by the tools of diplomacy in work and everyday life.
Find more Business Books of the week on my Goodreads Listopia page at https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/9..., and find many more recommended books on my Amazon Influencer page at https://www.amazon.com/shop/stevo4747 or by searching for me on Google.
Find more Business Books of the week on my Goodreads Listopia page at https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/9..., and find many more recommended books on my Amazon Influencer page at https://www.amazon.com/shop/stevo4747 or by searching for me on Google.
April 21, 2020
I received this fascinating read as a Goodreads giveaway. The author deftly illustrates the critical life skills of protocol and diplomacy, through her personal lens of serving former Presidents Clinton and Obama in her political roles. She achieves the perfect balance between advising the reader through her real life examples and demonstrating the strength of building interpersonal relationships. In addition, she grants us a valuable glimpse into the effective leadership styles, demeanor, and personalities of those she served.
January 18, 2022
The logistics of international diplomacy are truly fascinating. I have a professional interest in this topic since those logistics very often involve interpreters. So I was delighted to get this book.
There are lots of great stories of thoughtfulness that made me proud that our government takes such matters so seriously. Example: staffers of varying heights will sit in chairs before meetings to make sure no sight-lines are blocked for the meeting itself.
And there are great stories about the foibles of international travel and hosting international summits. For the longest time, I naively thought the only people who accompany heads of state during major meetings are interpreters and policy aides (and security, duh). But I didn't realize how often a protocol officer appears during meetings.
A few complaints about the book though:
- It truly is diplomatic. I had a feeling that the "juicy" stuff would be heavily redacted (it was). And the author gives out so many compliments that it was hard to tell which ones were genuine.
- The author has a private sector career as a consultant (because DC). So a lot of chapters end with a checklist of action items for business leaders. This was a bit cringe-y. I don't mind books being a veiled advertisement for one's consulting practice (Erin Meyer does a good job of this). But the end-of-chapter checklists rubbed me the wrong way here.
The other elephant in the room is Covid. It was published in June 2020 which means the manuscript was more-or-less locked well before Covid became a thing. It would have been fascinating to get her hot take on what Covid means for short- and long-term diplomacy. An even greater wish would be to ask her how diplomacy and protocol would adapt to Covid AND a world that had four years of Trump (and may be bracing itself for four more years of it). I don't penalize the review for this oversight though, as I'm guessing the publishers were just keen to get this on shelves rather than hold it for more content.
Overall, a very easy book to recommend, particularly for anyone with an interest in foreign service and/or diplomatic interpretation.
There are lots of great stories of thoughtfulness that made me proud that our government takes such matters so seriously. Example: staffers of varying heights will sit in chairs before meetings to make sure no sight-lines are blocked for the meeting itself.
And there are great stories about the foibles of international travel and hosting international summits. For the longest time, I naively thought the only people who accompany heads of state during major meetings are interpreters and policy aides (and security, duh). But I didn't realize how often a protocol officer appears during meetings.
A few complaints about the book though:
- It truly is diplomatic. I had a feeling that the "juicy" stuff would be heavily redacted (it was). And the author gives out so many compliments that it was hard to tell which ones were genuine.
- The author has a private sector career as a consultant (because DC). So a lot of chapters end with a checklist of action items for business leaders. This was a bit cringe-y. I don't mind books being a veiled advertisement for one's consulting practice (Erin Meyer does a good job of this). But the end-of-chapter checklists rubbed me the wrong way here.
The other elephant in the room is Covid. It was published in June 2020 which means the manuscript was more-or-less locked well before Covid became a thing. It would have been fascinating to get her hot take on what Covid means for short- and long-term diplomacy. An even greater wish would be to ask her how diplomacy and protocol would adapt to Covid AND a world that had four years of Trump (and may be bracing itself for four more years of it). I don't penalize the review for this oversight though, as I'm guessing the publishers were just keen to get this on shelves rather than hold it for more content.
Overall, a very easy book to recommend, particularly for anyone with an interest in foreign service and/or diplomatic interpretation.
December 16, 2022
hakkasin kuulama professionaalsest huvist protokolli ja etiketi vastu, ja huvitavaid lugusid ta tõepoolest rääkis. kahju oli sellest, et huvitavaid mälestusi varjutas tüütu eneseabi mõõde (st mida lugeja saab tema kogemusest õppida), et lugemiskogemus oleks ikka optimaalselt kasu(m)lik. ühest küljest on protokolliteadmised tõesti ka erasektoris ja isiklikus elus üle kantavad, aga selle kõige õigustamiseks kasutati täiesti ebavajalikke ja ilmselgeid "teaduslikke" seletusi, mis muutsid selle kohati naiivseks (a la "x ülikooli teadlased on kindlaks teinud, et naeratav inimene on x% suurema tõenäosusega avatum koostööks", ja nii iga natukese aja tagant). kui kuulata seda raamatuna, kust ise midagi õppida, siis lugejale ei jäetud suurt midagi järeldada, vaid kõik tehti kuidagi piinlikult puust ja punaseks.
lisaks siis veel see autori rags to riches (immigrantide järeltulija jõudis valgesse majja) narratiivi rõhutamine. mida rohkem seda korrutada, seda ebausutavamalt see mõjus.
igapäevatööks sain päris palju häid teadmisi, aga kuna raamatusse pidid ära mahtuma nii mälestused kui ka praktilised näpunäited, siis ei läinud kumbki pool kuidagi meeldejäävalt korda. võib-olla oleks see raamat isegi kasulikum olnud, kui see oleks täielikult mälestuste formaadis. (ilmselt ka mu enda süü, kindlasti on sellised memuaarid ilmunud mõne teise endise protokolliülema sulest.).
lisaks siis veel see autori rags to riches (immigrantide järeltulija jõudis valgesse majja) narratiivi rõhutamine. mida rohkem seda korrutada, seda ebausutavamalt see mõjus.
igapäevatööks sain päris palju häid teadmisi, aga kuna raamatusse pidid ära mahtuma nii mälestused kui ka praktilised näpunäited, siis ei läinud kumbki pool kuidagi meeldejäävalt korda. võib-olla oleks see raamat isegi kasulikum olnud, kui see oleks täielikult mälestuste formaadis. (ilmselt ka mu enda süü, kindlasti on sellised memuaarid ilmunud mõne teise endise protokolliülema sulest.).
May 1, 2024
I would probably rate this about 3.5 stars. There are parts of this book that I found interesting and other parts that were wanting or repetitive. I first saw a book talk with this author and was intrigued, but the book fell flat.
As a whole, the concept and lived experiences of a protocol officer for the President of the United States lends to interesting anecdotes and tales (i.e. customs and etiquette around the world). While I appreciated hearing tales from the White House, some of the adulation Capricia sprinkled for Mike Bloomberg or The Wing was concerning. This book is also less relevant in a post-COVID world where post-work rituals have changed and most people are working from home or on a hybrid schedule. The rules of engagement and networking have drastically changed or stalled, and there is not necessarily a clear cut path forward.
Moreover, this clearly is meant for an upper crust portion of the population. Most regular folks, even those of us who do work for the federal government, aren't regularly dining at Cafe Milano or can just swoop in and accost people at the Four Seasons for Saturday brunch (actual advice given by the author). While my partner and I may host friends for dinner or to stay with us, most of the hosting tips and etiquette tips will really only apply for the uber wealthy.
As a whole, the concept and lived experiences of a protocol officer for the President of the United States lends to interesting anecdotes and tales (i.e. customs and etiquette around the world). While I appreciated hearing tales from the White House, some of the adulation Capricia sprinkled for Mike Bloomberg or The Wing was concerning. This book is also less relevant in a post-COVID world where post-work rituals have changed and most people are working from home or on a hybrid schedule. The rules of engagement and networking have drastically changed or stalled, and there is not necessarily a clear cut path forward.
Moreover, this clearly is meant for an upper crust portion of the population. Most regular folks, even those of us who do work for the federal government, aren't regularly dining at Cafe Milano or can just swoop in and accost people at the Four Seasons for Saturday brunch (actual advice given by the author). While my partner and I may host friends for dinner or to stay with us, most of the hosting tips and etiquette tips will really only apply for the uber wealthy.
January 25, 2021
I started this book to give me ideas for my own novel and I definitely got some great ideas. I also got some ideas for how to have more diplomacy in my own life which is a bonus. Of course I don’t see eye to eye with who she worked for on a political standpoint but it is nice to read about people from a different perspective. I did not like the humble bragging that happened often (I don’t care that you do p-90x).
March 31, 2025
This book is chock-filled with interesting examples of what goes into White House protocol planning and execution, as well as well-researched elements of Ms. Penavic Marshall's diplomacy experience that translates to the business world.
A must read with one caveat: you may have to skim several painfully repetitive sections.
I've already sent a copy of the book to a friend. Enjoy this.
September 20, 2020
One of my favorite books I have read this year—it is stuffed full of valuable insights that apply not only to international diplomacy but can be harnessed in business and social spheres, as well.
I expect I will be rereading this again soon so I can try to soak in more that I may have missed the first time. Internalizing many of these lessons and ideas can make one a better leader, worker, friend, teammate, and perhaps human.
I expect I will be rereading this again soon so I can try to soak in more that I may have missed the first time. Internalizing many of these lessons and ideas can make one a better leader, worker, friend, teammate, and perhaps human.
December 3, 2024
I love this whole concept so much. And I liked getting a glimpse into the author’s world/job.
August 22, 2020
Interesting, insightful read. A bit slow and repetitive at times, but held together with compelling anecdotes about the author’s experiences with international diplomacy.
August 5, 2020
Some amazing nuggets in both practical advice to apply to all relationships and fun insights. But the amount of digging through detail to get there was too much for too little.
August 28, 2020
I thought this was more biography than self help. Loved learning about how protocol and diplomacy were establishes, loved the tidbits about the Presidents she served, but how to use it in business? I work in sweatpants at a desk at home, not much to be done there! I did leave the book after the first 1/3, had other things I wanted to read. Thank goodness the author only narrated the forward! The reader was MUCH better! I'm not much of a non-fiction reader, so if you are one you might really like this. I did learn a lot and am grateful for that.
July 19, 2020
Surely one of the most nerve-wracking jobs in government, and the author traverses the path effortlessly, barring the odd stumble. The principles of diplomatic protocol can be well applied to ordinary business and life.
July 23, 2020
To detailed on thoughts vs. examples.
July 24, 2020
Interesting.
May 18, 2021
Loved this book. Interesting study of diplomacy, feng shui, and rules to live by. Great stories and pieces of advice from someone working in government and with different administrations to further goals.
Random tips from the book: Always carry a go-bag with extra supplies, look out for one another and tell someone straight if they have spinach in their teeth. Have multiple people check over everything before an event (more pairs of eyes are better). Plan for everything but stay flexible. Research names, titles, cultures ahead of time. Set the room and the menu to further the goal. Does the President have a certain goal that they want to achieve? Everything should be working toward that goal: ceiling height, chairs, plants, menu of food, location (Camp David vs White House), outfits, everything! Double-check gift giving rules and always have a gift on hand just in case. Don't want to be surprised by a gift from the other nation and not be able to return the favor. Try to personalize gifts, research the person and culture and research what gifts have been given to that government before. Take part in customs if you can, it builds comradery. Memorize the three rules of giving a toast (talk about your audience/ mention why you're together/ focus on the future (or give a piece of good news). Dress for success, you're giving a first impression about your capabilities by what you're wearing. If you don't learn about the other culture you show that the other person isn't important and that already starts the relationship on the wrong foot. Use fashion to signal diplomacy, wear something that has the other nation's colors or symbolizes peace or goodwill. Overcommunicate rather than under communicate. Don't leave people confused, set clear expectations.
Random tips from the book: Always carry a go-bag with extra supplies, look out for one another and tell someone straight if they have spinach in their teeth. Have multiple people check over everything before an event (more pairs of eyes are better). Plan for everything but stay flexible. Research names, titles, cultures ahead of time. Set the room and the menu to further the goal. Does the President have a certain goal that they want to achieve? Everything should be working toward that goal: ceiling height, chairs, plants, menu of food, location (Camp David vs White House), outfits, everything! Double-check gift giving rules and always have a gift on hand just in case. Don't want to be surprised by a gift from the other nation and not be able to return the favor. Try to personalize gifts, research the person and culture and research what gifts have been given to that government before. Take part in customs if you can, it builds comradery. Memorize the three rules of giving a toast (talk about your audience/ mention why you're together/ focus on the future (or give a piece of good news). Dress for success, you're giving a first impression about your capabilities by what you're wearing. If you don't learn about the other culture you show that the other person isn't important and that already starts the relationship on the wrong foot. Use fashion to signal diplomacy, wear something that has the other nation's colors or symbolizes peace or goodwill. Overcommunicate rather than under communicate. Don't leave people confused, set clear expectations.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 10, 2021
Цікава і об’ємна книга написана Головою Департаменту Протоколу і Цуремоніалу при президенті США Обамі Capricia Marshall. Книга описує у всіх тонкощах закулісся культурної дипломатії, особливості етикету і церемоніалу.
Читаючи книгу я ніби сама була учасником міжнародних переговорів, свідком казусів за закритими дверима, гостею на найрозкішніших прийомах.
Авторка довгий була довіреною особою і асистенткою Хіларі Клінтон і описала будні з колишньою першою леді з доволі «людської» перспективи. Також Capricia часто згадує Барака Обаму і його поведінку як у «неформальних» так і у виняткових обставинах (для мене ці уривки були особливо цікавими і повчальними).
Варто зазначити, що книга не є класичними мемуарами, а радше доволі детальним путівником у світ дипломатії, етикету і протоколу спілкування з світовими лідерами. Поряд з тим, авторка дає багато вартісних порад на щодень (офісний етикет, планування гостин, етикет онлайн спілкування і тп..)
Єдиним мінусом книги є занадто романтизоване і/ або ідеалізоване зображення світових лідерів. Очевидно, що Capricia була однією з топових світових дипломатів і її книга вийшла ідеально дипломатичною. Тим не менш, постійний пафос і використання ідеалізованих прикметників при кожній згадці будь - якого світового лідера чи лідерки виглядали, як на мене, доволі штучно.
Загалом, книгу однозначно рекомендую!
Читаючи книгу я ніби сама була учасником міжнародних переговорів, свідком казусів за закритими дверима, гостею на найрозкішніших прийомах.
Авторка довгий була довіреною особою і асистенткою Хіларі Клінтон і описала будні з колишньою першою леді з доволі «людської» перспективи. Також Capricia часто згадує Барака Обаму і його поведінку як у «неформальних» так і у виняткових обставинах (для мене ці уривки були особливо цікавими і повчальними).
Варто зазначити, що книга не є класичними мемуарами, а радше доволі детальним путівником у світ дипломатії, етикету і протоколу спілкування з світовими лідерами. Поряд з тим, авторка дає багато вартісних порад на щодень (офісний етикет, планування гостин, етикет онлайн спілкування і тп..)
Єдиним мінусом книги є занадто романтизоване і/ або ідеалізоване зображення світових лідерів. Очевидно, що Capricia була однією з топових світових дипломатів і її книга вийшла ідеально дипломатичною. Тим не менш, постійний пафос і використання ідеалізованих прикметників при кожній згадці будь - якого світового лідера чи лідерки виглядали, як на мене, доволі штучно.
Загалом, книгу однозначно рекомендую!
September 23, 2020
"On a practical level, protocol - and its behind-the-scenes prep work - allows the work of diplomacy to take place. For every peace treaty signed, someone scouted the location, set up the room, and provided the paper and pen."
"So when two leaders or delegates meet, they embark on the dance of diplomacy, and protocol sets the rules for that two-step. Depending on their relationship - new friends, old buddies, or frenemies - and the policy goals, that dance can be an easy, lilting waltz or a fiery tango."
"In general, you can't go wrong when you operate from this golden principle: Be gracious to everyone. Making others feel special has always brought me great joy, and it's so easy."
"Gifts are a language. When you learn to 'gift' fluently, you can take every relationship to a higher level. Presents have the potential to transmit a world of concrete ideas and goals, packets of information encoded in a single object. Just as important; they can pull at the heartstrings and communicate emotional sentiments in a manner that is subtle than stating your feelings and risking an awkward moment."
"So when two leaders or delegates meet, they embark on the dance of diplomacy, and protocol sets the rules for that two-step. Depending on their relationship - new friends, old buddies, or frenemies - and the policy goals, that dance can be an easy, lilting waltz or a fiery tango."
"In general, you can't go wrong when you operate from this golden principle: Be gracious to everyone. Making others feel special has always brought me great joy, and it's so easy."
"Gifts are a language. When you learn to 'gift' fluently, you can take every relationship to a higher level. Presents have the potential to transmit a world of concrete ideas and goals, packets of information encoded in a single object. Just as important; they can pull at the heartstrings and communicate emotional sentiments in a manner that is subtle than stating your feelings and risking an awkward moment."
March 13, 2021
Wow. I come from the tradecraft of IT service support and delivery. How interesting to swim into another guild and their pool of experience and expertise. This was akin to the IT work instruction documents, standard operating procedures, Agile manifesto, and the ITIL framework - as the playbook of exceptional protocol practices. Well written and expertly communicated.
The narrative expertly untangled in rich depth and insightful tales the history and practices of a professional protocol methodology. It is a blended Grimms Fairy tales and nearly scientific framework to impart a story and experiences with the lessons and cited ‘why.’ I greatly appreciated her style of thoughts on the tradecraft.
There is much wisdom in the anticipatory actions and agreed norms that keep respect in the forefront so that is does not degrade trust and resources towards the sought outcomes. Hard in normal conditions. As written in the narrative even hard with a mix of culture, velocity, personalities, and potentially conflicts goals requires. It takes an exceptional intelligence to do it with grace. This author up skill others in her craft and speciality at the highest professional level.
The narrative expertly untangled in rich depth and insightful tales the history and practices of a professional protocol methodology. It is a blended Grimms Fairy tales and nearly scientific framework to impart a story and experiences with the lessons and cited ‘why.’ I greatly appreciated her style of thoughts on the tradecraft.
There is much wisdom in the anticipatory actions and agreed norms that keep respect in the forefront so that is does not degrade trust and resources towards the sought outcomes. Hard in normal conditions. As written in the narrative even hard with a mix of culture, velocity, personalities, and potentially conflicts goals requires. It takes an exceptional intelligence to do it with grace. This author up skill others in her craft and speciality at the highest professional level.
March 1, 2021
Marshall, a former US Chief of Protocol, writes with great detail of the power that protocol serves as a framework to successful diplomatic, business, and social interactions. The book, both a memoir and reference tool, suffers a bit from the intense amount of detail, and could have used some editing in the many repetitive laudatory passages to protocol, but there is no denying the important psychological effect it has on human relationships. I especially enjoyed the glimpses of its use in the Clinton and Obama administrations and into the mentor ship Hillary Clinton provided. Successes were lauded, natch, but more intriguing were the details of near catastrophe: the horrors of flags placed improperly, missing place cards, an American President (Obama) who towered in height over Russia’s President Medvevev during treaty signings, are all examples of protocol challenges that needed fixing for involved parties to feel parity and respect. Especially helpful is a chapter addressed to women in business and politics. Now I know just exactly what to pack in the Mary Poppins bag in case Veep comes calling ;)
March 12, 2024
I found this book frustrating and boring. I could compare the experience to listening to the acceptance speech at the Oscars, only written on more than 300 pages: you have no idea who the people are who are listed by name, but everyone is great and wonderful, and there is a wonderful story about everyone, which shows what a noble character they really are.
Those who like this empty American talk show style will surely like the book, but those who might be more pragmatic and want to learn something useful will be mad that they have to read 50 pages of gushing and nostalgia before they get 5 bullet points on how to behave if someone invites you as a guest.
Those who like this empty American talk show style will surely like the book, but those who might be more pragmatic and want to learn something useful will be mad that they have to read 50 pages of gushing and nostalgia before they get 5 bullet points on how to behave if someone invites you as a guest.
December 6, 2024
This really was such a good read; the only reason why it doesn’t have 5 stars is because the anecdotal moments were lengthy and sometimes silly in applicability and relevance. There’s also a level of political bias that one can find bemusing and naive at times. However, Capricia’s job was to make each president she worked for look and feel fantastic in front of the world, so one can hardly blame her fawning moments towards the Clintons and Obamas.
However, literally ANYONE in any profession can take away key lessons that smooth interactions with individuals from all backgrounds. I highly recommend this read to anyone hoping to excel in hospitality and dealmaking.
However, literally ANYONE in any profession can take away key lessons that smooth interactions with individuals from all backgrounds. I highly recommend this read to anyone hoping to excel in hospitality and dealmaking.
September 11, 2020
What I expected: 100% content on protocol-related stories.
What I got: lots of self-adulation, lots of American Exceptionalism (yuck)
What I didn't get: criticism of dictators all around the world and Trump in particular. Pictures. An answer as to why Americans pre-cut their meat like a toddler and what are they doing with their left hand under the table while eating.
Also and finally, this need more humour. Capricia's writing is really dull. Jeez, it's a book, not a university thesis.
What I got: lots of self-adulation, lots of American Exceptionalism (yuck)
What I didn't get: criticism of dictators all around the world and Trump in particular. Pictures. An answer as to why Americans pre-cut their meat like a toddler and what are they doing with their left hand under the table while eating.
Also and finally, this need more humour. Capricia's writing is really dull. Jeez, it's a book, not a university thesis.
June 21, 2022
Did not finish.
I started this in audio and it didn't stick.
Otherwise fascinating anecdotes about the author's protocol and diplomacy experiences are made overly bland by etiquette-book style recommendations for using the learnings in one's everyday life. Like there's any comparison between planning a meeting between Putin and Obama and anything in my life. Ha.
I probably would have finished this in print but it would have taken a lot longer and the audio borrow from my library will expire soon.
I started this in audio and it didn't stick.
Otherwise fascinating anecdotes about the author's protocol and diplomacy experiences are made overly bland by etiquette-book style recommendations for using the learnings in one's everyday life. Like there's any comparison between planning a meeting between Putin and Obama and anything in my life. Ha.
I probably would have finished this in print but it would have taken a lot longer and the audio borrow from my library will expire soon.
September 23, 2022
A fascinating peak behind the curtain of protocol officers, who’s work I wasn’t aware of the breadth and depth of. I loved hearing all the event management details and last minute adjustments of summits past, and there were a number of serviceable advice for keeping t cool under pressure, my favorite being Capricia removing some adjusted place setting name cards and blaming the wind to fix for a staffer secretly moving people around. Would recommend this read for anyone who has interest in the “softer” side of diplomacy
July 11, 2020
As a retired manager at various points, I endorse this book for all managers. It is a wonderful guide to teamwork and grace in business as well as politics. As a retired reader, much of this is a look back through my career. Did I do some of this well enough? Sometimes is the answer. As a student of American politics and political character, it made me so sad at the pitiful condition of diplomacy on the part of America and nostalgic for the grade and character of past administrations.
September 7, 2020
This is an extraordinary insight into the world behind the White House’s Chief of Protocol during the Clinton and Obama years. Using that as a backdrop as well as handful of other examples, Marshall introduces the reader to the discipline of protocols and decorum. There is a ton of useful information for those dealing with these considerations in either an official and unofficial capacity. It is interesting and personal and will make you want to raise your own game.
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