10 basic skills every butler needs to master

The position of a butler has evolved over time. When you hire a butler, it's not enough to only look for professional skills- their personality, soft skills must also be taken into consideration. Being a butler requires a set of skills. It takes a very specific type of a person to complete all the responsibilities. If you wish to pursue a career in this field, then this one's for you! Here are 10 basic skills every butler needs to master. Have a good read!

Active listening is an essential asset for this profession. No butler can make the mistake of getting the wrong order. Active listening does not only mean listening to verbal dialogues. It includes paying close attention to non-verbal clues like frown, lack of enthusiasm or agitation conveyed by the customer. You should make an attentive gesture and focus on the words of the customer. Do not forget to repeat or nod to confirm that you understood correctly. It is better in some cases to write down every small detail mentioned by the customer. It will increase your accuracy and efficiency.

Along with active listening skills, your spoken skills matter a lot. No clients like to have to repeat their request. A small hesitation in response could be disrespectful. Being a butler requires clear, sound and complex communication skills. You have to figure out how to answer to both polite and not so polite customers. It helps you develop rapport with the guests. Not to forget, your body language speaks before your words do! A person's posture, eye contact, and mannerisms build an image in the minds of your guests.

Meet and greet, introductions, taking orders, having a keen ear to personal requests, and all other tasks require sound customer and service skills. A butler should also have perfect organizational skills. Certain knowledge of the hospitality industry would be like the cherry on the cake!

Butlers are required to attend a number of guests regularly and they need to treat each guest with the same level of precision and intimacy. Having requisite leadership skills will help you climb the steps of success easily. You will have to face situations like dealing with cranky guests or covering up for a colleague. The decisions you make will affect how the situation turns out to be. Being a leader means setting an example. You might also have the responsibility to manage and train the staff which needs good leadership skills.

These situations cannot be avoided. The work of a butler comes with unending challenges and to face it requires a good set of soft skills. Know that your actions will affect the entire team. Be open-minded and pay keen attention to all minute details to what is happening around you.

Being a butler is not always a one man play. The role requires consistent team work. Teamwork fosters loyalty and greater understanding between co-workers. It leads to high productivity, better relations between the employees, shared accountability and increased learning. Teamwork can help solve problems. Acknowledging every teammate as a value asset and listening to others' opinions can contribute to a brighter and successful synergy of a team.. Henry Ford rightly said, “If everyone is moving forward together, then success takes care of itself.”

A butler is the one who is responsible to spot potential problems where others will not. One of the most important characteristics of a butler skill- set is to have a keen eye and active attention to minute detail of what is happening around you. The precision lies in minute details. You have to be very precise to deliver an exceptional level of service. One must find pleasure in carrying out their duties with utmost care and attention. You should be skilled enough to meet high expectations of the customers.

Use of technology will result in extra-ordinary services. A butler who uses devices like mobile, will be assessed as very interesting and digital friendly. It would be easier for him to record or type the orders given by the customers on the mobile screen than on a paper. It is also economical and will make things much easier. A record can also be kept for future reference. The intelligent use of technology will help us achieve new directions.

Computer knowledge is a very important skill to possess for a butler. Every employer wants their workers to have basic computer skills. The company is dependent on computers as all data and relevant information is stored in the computers. It helps to run the company faster and cheaper. Knowing basic applications will give you an additional point. Acquiring basic computer skills will give the encouragement and will build more confidence to do well at your job.

Time management is another important skill you must possess. Allocating time and analyzing how to spend time is very effective. It's not only about managing time, it is about managing your highest priorities. 90% of success is showing up, however, the rest 10% depends just on two words: ‘on time’. Time management is necessary during working days as it ensures we have planned the hours and energy to be put in, to do what you really want to do, with different people working around you.

Through stressful or happy times, a Butler should remain calm and lead the team. There is no option of failing or falling behind, only delivering exceptional service. Each day will be varied and filled with challenges!

Do you think you have what it takes to be a butler?
Contact Royal Indian Butlers to know more about the industry.