Diplomacy seems to be a lost art in America. It feels like there is no compromise, no collaboration, no listening and communicating with those of different beliefs for the good of us all. While there are a few definitions of the word, I prefer "a person who can deal with people in a sensitive and effective way."
When I think of an accomplished American Diplomat, I instantly think of Shirley Temple Black. Her life work epitomizes the true spirit of cooperation to make life better for all. Born in 1928 in California, she was "bathed in love" during her childhood. She died in 2014 in California, surrounded by those she loved most. She had a genius IQ of 155. She served in positions under Presidents Ford, Reagan and HW Bush.
By the age of 10, Shirley Temple had starred in over 40 films. She was called "Little Miss Miracle" by President Franklin Roosevelt, as she helped America weather the depression. She was also called "One Take Temple", because of how prepared and professional she always was on set. She was the biggest box office draw in America. There was Shirley merchandise and cartoons and books and dresses and dolls and hair ribbons and calendars and the list goes on and on. Starting in show biz at the age of 3 and working within those confines until she retired at 22, she set the standard high for anyone who knew and/or worked with her.
Once she retired from show biz, she focused on being a wife (after a 1st marriage/divorce, she remarried and stayed blissfully married for nearly 55 years), mother and contributing member of society by her many varied charity, volunteer and government work. She said, "I have had a longer career in diplomacy than in my entertainment career. Long ago, I became more interested in the real world than in make-believe." That made a huge impact on me - that not only did she see herself as a diplomat first and an entertainer second, but that anyone can be a diplomat. In fact, everyone should be a diplomat. Shirley said that, "Diplomacy is the art of persuasion. Having been a film star can be very helpful on an international basis. Many people consider me an old friend."
She knew troubles, losses and heartaches too, which made her an even better diplomat.
Her father mismanaged most of her $3.2M earnings. "It was a big surprise, but I have no resentment toward my dad. I think he was counseled badly." Her first husband was violent towards her. "I saw the blow coming. For a long time I sat where I had fallen, a disheveled woman with an aching heart and crumpled spirit." She ran for Congress in 1967 and lost, coming in second.
She knew how fickle the media is as well, which made her learn the best ways of dealing with them. She stated, "Gossip columnists deal on a far more dangerous level than either reporters or critics."
Throughout her entire life, she received jobs, awards, charities and titles aplenty. They all show her dedication to America and to making the world a better place to be:
Created and ran her own Police Force (donating all monies collected by fines to charities), Freedoms Foundation Award, worked on live radio shows, headlined the Macys Thanksgiving Parade, initiated into the Blackfoot Tribe as "Bright Shining Star", 1st child actor to receive a special academy award, part of the 1st ever interracial dance team in movie history, lifelong Republican and a party fundraiser, Precinct Captain for GOP Candidate, International Multiple Sclerosis Charity member, US Ambassador to the African Nation of Ghana, US Delegate to the UN, UN charity work, Chief of Protocol at The White House (making her the 1st female Assistant Secretary of State), State Department trainer, Ambassador to Czechoslovakia, American Academy of Diplomacy member, Screen Actor Guild Lifetime Achievement Award and an honorary Oscar.
The skills, talents, abilities it takes to be a diplomat came innately to Shirley, but that doesn't mean they can't be taught or learned. What are those skills?
Desire for approbation. Boundless optimism, good energy, wonderful sense of humor, extraordinary. Strong, smart, do what needs to be done. Keep childlike wonder. All terms used to describe Shirley.
So, play fair and square; know your job; do your homework; know your tribe; diversify your talents and work them hard; be liberated by the past to prepare for the future.
