I was never really a fan of "Game of Thrones" series and for the longest time I maintained my view that it was overrated (personal view). However, on reading this article by Priya Lothe , a lecturer of Strategic Communication at American University I finally found some insight of the series.
Daernerys Targaryen (Dany) whose a champion of the underdog and feminist here might have avoided her down fall. Her descent into megalomania arises as a result of her conviction that she only has fear instead of love from the people.
Public diplomacy is the communication by a government/leader to foreign public to foster understanding, dialogue and good will across cultures. If well done it builds a brand and soft power which entails getting others to want what you want rather than compelling or telling what they should do. Public relations on the other hand is all about building relationships, persuading the public to think or act in a manner that suits your organization’s needs. Here are some lessons we can learn from GOT.
Public diplomacy is all about identifying shared values rather than forcing partners to bend the knees: in public relations one of the issues that practitioners struggle with is the line between compelling the public and actually reasoning out fairly with them. Ernesto Sirolli says that when he got to Zambia they had projects which they considered good for the Zambians but they never asked the Zambians why they had not thought of the projects before. They planted Italian seeds along the river Zambezi where Zambians were not practicing agriculture and since they did not consider what the people really wanted after some time hippos ate all the tomatoes and their project became a failure. This notion applied to PR then means that for a long lasting relationship to be formed between the public and the organization there has to be a level of understanding and a shared agenda and dictatorship.
PD requires listening not just broadcasting
Recent PD has been more sustainable because it has evolved a two way line of communication. Similarly this can be employed in PR. for the longest time PR was about telling the public what they should know rather than listening to what they want to say. This two way communication helps build a connection and then one is able to have an angel of presentation based on the feedback they get from the public.
PD takes time.
Good planning takes time. PD is a slow process that involves years of investments and engagements. In the event that a crisis has happened, many organizations need urgent solutions. These solutions may not be best based on the long term analysis of the solution. Containing the situation and thinking through the response to offer over time is the best approach. As a PR practitioner, always take time to put your thoughts together regardless of the duration so as to avoid any future predicaments.
All these principles should be applied to the practice of public relation.
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