Executive protection assignments often extend to different areas where a high-profile client may frequent, including their private residence. At home, executives may have several people working for them, including personal assistants, housekeepers, drivers, chefs, nannies, and even estate managers. Beyond their regular duties, these employees can be invaluable in keeping both the household and client safe.
Here are several reasons why you should develop good rapport with household staff to better protect your client.
Improved discretion
Both executive protection specialists and household staff may know sensitive details about a client’s personal life, including routines, visitors, travel plans, and areas of the home that are frequently occupied. If that information is handled carelessly, it can create a security risk.
A strong relationship makes it easier for protection teams to set clear expectations around confidentiality without creating an atmosphere of suspicion. Staff who trust the security team are also more likely to speak up when they notice something unusual, ask questions about procedures, or share information that could affect the client’s safety.
Increased cooperation around security procedures
Security procedures can sometimes interfere with normal household routines, especially when they involve restricted access, visitor screening, or sudden changes to schedules. A strong relationship with household staff makes these situations easier to manage because both sides are more willing to communicate and work toward a practical solution.
Protection specialists can explain why certain measures are necessary, while staff can point out how those measures may affect daily operations. That mutual respect creates greater buy-in, reduces unnecessary tension, and makes it more likely that security procedures will be followed correctly.
More coordinated emergency response
A well-established working relationship between executive protection teams and household staff is especially important during an emergency. Incidents such as a medical crisis, a fire, a security threat, an unexpected visit, or an evacuation may require several people to respond quickly and carry out different responsibilities at the same time.
There is little room for confusion during these situations, but security personnel who have thoroughly briefed and worked with household staff will be better prepared to handle any unexpected challenges. Regular cooperation also gives protection specialists a clearer picture of who will likely be present during different times of the day. That knowledge can support contingency planning before an emergency ever occurs.
How to build stronger relationships with household staff
Building a productive relationship with household staff starts with clear, consistent communication. Executive protection specialists should focus on the following areas:
- Learn the household’s routines: Get familiar with daily schedules, regular visitors, deliveries, travel plans, and the routines of different staff members. The better you understand what is normal, the easier it is to spot when something is out of place.
- Explain security procedures clearly: Don’t just provide sweeping instructions without context. If staff don’t understand why certain areas are off limits or why a visitor must be screened, they are less likely to follow those rules.
- Teach staff what to watch for: Household employees don’t need to become security experts like your team, but they should be able to serve like your eyes and ears. Whenever they spot an unfamiliar vehicle, damaged lock, or unusual delivery, you should always be open to hearing out their concerns.
- Create a clear reporting process: Staff should have a simple way to get a hold of you when there’s an unusual situation. That’s why you should provide everyone (not just the client) with your on-duty contact number, and explain what information should be shared. Make sure they know which situations require an immediate call (e.g., break-ins, suspicious strangers), and which can wait until the next day (e.g., deliveries made after hours).
- Factor household staff in your protection strategy: Your policies and procedures should be designed to not only protect your clients, but also the staff working within their households. For example, make sure to remind staff not to confront suspicious people themselves and to instead contact the designated safety personnel. Also, create a specific evacuation plan for staff so they know what to do in case of an emergency.
- Encourage two-way communication: Protection teams should also listen to household staff. Their familiarity with the residence and daily routines can provide useful context when assessing changes, unusual behavior, or potential threats.
Become a well-rounded executive protection specialist
Technical skills are only part of successful executive protection. Communication, trust, discretion, situational awareness, and the ability to work with the people surrounding a client are just as important.
If you want to be an effective executive protection specialist, Aspis Training Center’s comprehensive training programs provide everything you need. Sign up for our courses today to level up your skills.