Bodyguards: How to Protect Others - Part 2.3 - Manners, Protocol, Etiquette and Communication

By Michael J. Franklin

The world of professional bodyguards is different. This book goes into great detail and teaches the professional conduct, etiquette, manners, verbal and written communication skills that bodyguards will need to get to the higher levels and better paying contracts of the close protection world.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Michael J. Franklin
• Release date: Jun 5, 2010
• ISBN: 9783941101098

Michael J. Franklin

Michael J. Franklin is a graduate of the Canadian Forces School of Intelligence and Security (Protective Services), The Royal Military Police Close Protection Wing and The German National Police (BKA-Personenschutz) Close Protection School. Over the past 25 years he has taught Close Protection Skills, Tactics and Planning, International Law, Security Related Technologies, Vulnerability Studies, Threat Assessments, Weapons, Explosives, IED Searching Techniques, Offensive, Defensive and Tactical Close Protection Driving Skills. He has been personally involved in protecting the world‘s elite for over 35 years

Book preview

Bodyguards – How to protect others

Part 2.3

Manners, Protocol, Etiquette, Communication

By Michael J. Franklin

ISBN: 978-3-941101-09-8

Published 2010 by Michael J. Franklin at Smashwords

Cover Design by Irmgard Walter

http://www.securitybymike.com/

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Chapter One – Introduction – Why brain wins

Winning is not everything, but wanting to win is. – Vince Lombardi

In Close Protection protocol, etiquette and manners take a key function for social and working relationships between Bosses and Bodyguards. Bodyguards are expected to provide the best and highest level of security and at the same time allow their Bosses and their families to live their lives with very little or no interruption.

Good manners go hand in hand with intelligent and smart work. Bodyguards and staff members who don’t understand this basic principle are well advised to seek employment in another line of work. Therefore, Bodyguards who conduct themselves with class, dignity, discretion, loyalty and honesty should be able to look forward to long, successful careers in Close Protection.

In many political positions, security has been imposed on a person. They don’t really want the services but are forced to accept them for reasons of necessity. In these types of contract the BG must first win the respect of the Boss and in some cases this can only be achieved over a long period of time, mostly under close scrutiny. Bodyguards who are able to blend in and act like the Boss’ entourage are going to last. The Boss doesn’t want to feel embarrassed with his friends, associates and employees by having someone following them around who looks awkward.

When manners, protocol and etiquette are skills that don’t easily come to an individual, there are numerous books that can be purchased on the market to assist in this learning curve. Just about all the books will cover up-to-date manners and accepted practices under different social situations. The modern BG should place a great deal of emphasis on manners, etiquette and protocol, especially at the international level.

History has shown that in the 1960s, 70s and in some cases into the 80s, etiquette and manners along with many other socially accepted customs were rejected to a large extent by the younger generation only to find themselves disadvantaged later by their lack of social skills when entering into the executive and corporate world. Therefore there has been a shift back to some of the old customs and a new emphasis has been placed on proper manners and protocol. Additionally, women have entered the elite ranks of business executives in record numbers and most major corporations are multinational entities. Many of the rules have changed. Manners, etiquette and protocol are not nearly as rigid as before, but they are just as important. Executives are going back to school to learn business and social etiquette because a lack in these skills limits their potential for success.

Many Bosses feel they cannot afford a BG who only provides security. This is particularly true with corporations. A BG who is able to take on other functions i.e. personal assistant, chauffeur, secretary and personal handyman, has a tremendous advantage over his competitors. Appearance and manners, the ability to blend into the workplace and the private lives i.e. being proficient at golf, tennis, and all-round physically fitness are important skills.

Manners, etiquette, acceptable behavior, general knowledge, dress and deportment are integral parts of interpersonal relations. The manners in which a BG deals with others and communicates his and the Boss’ wishes often determine success and failure. In Close Protection the largest problem between Bodyguards is jealousy. Team operations are often hampered because the basics are not covered as the Bodyguards spend most of their days protecting their jobs from their co-workers. In just about every operation there is one team member who, through his own hard work, competence and diligence catches the eye of the Boss and therefore becomes his favorite. These persons might experience resentment from the co-workers who perceive them as a barrier between themselves and their Bosses. Remember, jealousy is the most destructive emotion in CP and to overcome this hazard it takes truly professional Bodyguards who make conscious efforts to deal with co-workers and colleagues in a respectful and mannerly fashion. Keep in mind that being part of the problem instead of the solution cuts people's career in the profession or on a particular job very short.

There are some occasions when a BG is required to bend some of the rules of protocol and etiquette to provide the Boss with the best security. For example when you are working for a member of a royal family, the rules require that no one walk ahead of royalty. However, to provide effective protection the BG is required to walk directly in front of the Boss when entering a place. Ladies generally go and enter rooms ahead of men. Again it is prudent (depending on the threat level) that the BG enters before the ladies as good security practice to ensure that there are no unexpected surprises. Most CP men will learn this on their own, through experience. A good CP man will know just when to enter in front of the Boss and when not to. It is wise to clarify beforehand when rules of etiquette and protocol are not followed to avoid misunderstandings. There are also going to be other occasions where the best security options have to be sacrificed for the Boss’ comfort. Do