In our live Butler training it is very difficult to explain to our students what it is to run a household. That is the reason that we showed them how to do it we don't show it theoretically.

In the end it comes down to the technique that we teach them on what butler service really is. As a butler we mainly are in the shadows. You could say that we are the unsung heroes of the household. It only appears that the house is a well-oiled machine but as everyone knows, machines do not run themselves. They need careful maintenance and love. Our expertise goes far beyond polishing shoes and silver or serving tea. In this article we let you in on the 7 secrets every top butler should understand in order to run a multi-million dollar household.

1. Anticipation is key

In soccer they say: don’t wait for the ball, go get the ball. Same in households, we don’t respond to needs and questions, we anticipate them. We are at least 2 steps ahead of the people we serve. In order to anticipate you need to have a good knowledge of a spiderweb of things. Schedules, preferences and routines. Favourite snacks, restaurants or pillows are just a few examples. Your underlying processes are also very important, such as your administration or your digital tools.

2. Eye for detail: more than what the eye can see

Not only do we see what is out of place, we use all of our senses. Smell, hearing, touching and tasting are also valuable. For that reason we conduct regular inspections in the household (MBWA for the professionals) to ensure that everything is in pristine condition and represents the eye for detail we have to guests.

3. A warm blanket: discretion

Over the years we need to hone the skill of confidentiality. See all, say nothing. Top household professionals understand that maintaining privacy and trust is like a warm blanket for their employers. It builds trust with the principal and is fundamental to holding your position.

4. Being flexible

You probably think now, we are going to tell you that you need to adapt your schedule in a flexible way? No, being flexible means staying current with new trends and and we have a great way of blending these with tradition. Stay updated on technology, read industry magazines or blogs and keep an eye out in stores for new items. They can become timeless as well.

5. Understanding that time management does not exist

Create more time and multi-task. We hear that often. As if there is a magical way to add even one minute to the 24 hours we are given. Unfortunately that is not possible. We need to start thinking in terms of event management. This means, prioritising the events we plan in the time we are given. Delegating tasks can help with this. In our full time personal assistant course, we explain this in detail.

6. EQ

Service is our technical knowledge, hospitality is our emotional knowledge. Hospitality is making payments on the emotional bankaccount of the guest. The more credit you have, the more you can afford. Understanding and managing the emotions of both employers and staff is a critical skill. The best hospitality professionals can read a room, diffuse tensions, and create a harmonious environment. They know when to be visible and when to fade into the background.

7. ABC

ABC = always be curious. Never stop learning. Whenever I walk in a shop, grocery store or department store I ask about products. How they are made, where they come from and how to use or maintain them. The world of luxury service is always evolving, and professionals never stop learning. They attend workshops, read extensively, and network with others to stay at the forefront of their profession. This commitment to growth ensures they can meet any challenge with confidence and expertise.

These seven secrets will be the base for any exceptional household. Mastering these traits will allow you to not only serve but look forward. These secrets can elevate any household to a level of sophistication and smooth operation.