By Doc Rogers
There’s a good chance you’ll fail in your executive protection career unless you follow these simple rules of the road in this short article. You have entered this industry because you genuinely want to serve those you are assigned to protect. You’re on your way, but career survival while on the road is a difficult level. This short checklist will help you hone your skills while on both local and international road trips and make your principle super satisfied with your protective services.
In order not to irritate or annoy your principle while on the road, keep your eyes open and mouth shut. Be a good listener, not a talker. If asked a question, try to keep your comments upbeat without profanity.
When accompanying you principle at business function remain calm, confident and pleasant. Don’t draw attention to yourself, stand up straight, chin up and smile and avoid the spotlight.
Keep you principal away from from potential threats by consistently applying the executive protection fundamentals (I would explain the fundamentals, but that would take up to much room I intend for this checklist).
Every hour of the day, never be far away from your principle, be highly accessible. Always contributing to a safe environment.
While eating food at business related functions eat foods that are not messy, easy to consume with one hand and can be eaten quickly. Burgers and steak sandwiches are always a good choice of cuisine while on the job.
When your principal retires for the evening, go to your room and review the itinerary for the next day. Know the timings and locations by heart.
Send email back to corporate headquarters, keeping on course and in communication. Email communication skills is one of the most important tools while on the road.
Order room service, make a modest selection from the menu. Eating the most expensive cut of beef; filet mignon, every night may raise a red flag with the controller. Choose the sirloin burger with cheddar cheese instead.
Don’t watch any in-room, pay per view movies, don’t eat from the minibar unless you are the team leader and don’t trash the room. You should be a frugal person while on assignment, keep costs down and stay within the budget. Your principal lives in the lap of luxury at the hotel, you shouldn’t.
Be a capable, can-do agent while on the road. Make your principal feel that he or she is in highly capable hands. You can achieve this by having a good attitude, showing enthusiasm for the mission and projecting positive energy. No, its not a popularity contest, but being well liked never hurts.
Go the extra mile, ensure the principle and the corporation are getting the best bang for the buck in these tough economic times. If you follow these rules of the road you’ll become successful at the highest level within this industry. Good luck and God speed.
Doc Rogers is the author of the new book entitled: Corporate Executive Protection – A Manual for Inspiring Corporate Bodyguards. Step-by-step instructions on providing corporate executive protection for those new to the industry as well as veterans. Doc is the Director of Diplomatic Protection (DDP) for International Corporate Executive Protection. He is a Certified Protection Specialist and has a Ph.D in Security Administration. Prior to his appointment as DDP for International Corporate Executive Protection he was a former veteran police officer. Doc is widely regarded as the leading authority on Executive Protection In Southeast Asia and India. To learn more about the author and his new book visit: http://www.international-corporate-executive-protection.com or to order online: http://www.trafford.com/Bookstore/BookDetail.aspx?BookId=SKU-000159783
THE ABOVE INFORMATION IS SO VERY IMPORTANT FOR THOSE OF US WHO WANT TO KEEP WORKING. WE SOME TIMES GET IN TO A CONFORT ZONE WITH OUR CLIENTS. KEEPING YOUR EYES AND EARS OPEN WE SOMETIMES TALKE WHEN WE SHOULD BE LISTING FOR THOSE OF US WHO ARE RETIRED POLICE OFFICERS WE SOMETIMES SHARE OUR ON THE JOB EXPERIENCES WITH OUR CLIENTS SO GUYS AND LADYS LETS DO OUR JOBS .
AWESOME MORE EXECUTIVE PROTECTION SCHOOLS SHOULD GIVE MORE CLASSES ON JUST THAT KIND OF INFORMATION, BECAUSE MOST PEOPLE FOCUS TO MUCH ON THE PHYSICAL.
Good advice when you are on the road…I think many EPS today make the mistake of feeling that they were the ones that made the millions and need protection when they are thrown into those 5 star hotels or resorts.I think alot of us came from a very opposite backgrounds then those that we protect and have never seen anything like the “Glamour” that is potrayed in movies and forget we are there for the job not a vacation. So thank you for the great reminder.