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ExpErt SpEak

Butlers, how do they decide where they want to work?

By Prem Anand In informal households, anybody could household.
come and go to tea ceremonies or casual In recent years, due to the increasing
utlers are one of the oldest professions gatherings, and butlers are expected to adapt demand for Butlers, household recruitment
on this earth. Butlers are derived from to these shifts. agencies in London, Vienna, Paris, and cities
Bthe French word “Bouteiller”, meaning in the United States have started offering Butler
someone who cares for the Bottles. Those days, Customary vs Trendy courses and house manager courses.
Butlers fined and bottled the wines in the cellar Butlers in traditional households may stick
and brought them to the dining room in the to time-honoured traditions. For example, Community for Butlers in India to be
evenings. The first mention of the butlers was there are fixed times for meals on selected days launched
made in the eleventh century. Over the time, the principals might dine out, while butlers In January 2024, Prem Anand, an Indian-
Butler’s responsibility expanded, and they serving the new rich could be updated through born British Butler with 18 years of experience
became the head of the household. a text message just an hour before or less, and in the UK, will launch a Community for Butlers
Butlers in Hotels look the chef might have to assemble things. in India. This community offers education,
after the guests who occupy networking, accountability partners and an
the top-range penthouses Respect for Hierarchy vs Personal update on the job trends.
and suites, resorts, Private Freedom: Serving Different Masters The education is a mentorship model full
yachts, cruise ships, private Traditional butlers navigate the hierarchical curriculum House Manager / Butler program—
banks and corporate offices, structure of conventional households. Serving hearts from hospitality will be chosen
embassies and consulates. Or the more independent and self-made based on their sincerity of attitude toward
The philosophy of a new wealthy individuals. They might have to serving. This is a unique Butler program. Has
butler is centred around navigate the emotional or relational priorities personal development and educates the pupils
the idea of selfless serving, based on the family dynamics. on handling their money and committed to
professionalism, and being a partner in the pupil’s well-being.
discretion. A butler is The Art of Discretion: Secrets and The founder, Anand, has served Royalty,
responsible for managing Privacy Prime ministers, and well-known families
the household and attending to the needs of Generally, Butlers in traditional households worldwide as Head Butler, House manager,
their employers and guests with the utmost are often entrusted with family secrets and and estate manager. Prem has a diploma
attention to detail, courtesy, and respect. their challenges in maintaining privacy.Some in hospitality and catering from Glasgow,
In this first article, I will talk about one celebrities and the younger rich will have the Professional butler training from the
thing every seasoned Butler wants to know butlers sign a non-disclosure but might have it Netherlands and various academic accolades
before he takes up work. all in the media or social media. Mission: Through The London Butler
Is it a formal traditional household, Academy, Prem aims to make the Butler
informal, or “Nouveau Riche” household? A Butler’s Toolkit: Adapting to Changing training and education affordable and
Experienced Butlers who work in Hotels Expectations accessible to all.
and resorts can also relate to their experiences An excellent organisational, forward- Vision: To be the community where pupils
facing the guests. thinking mind and knowledge of protocol and can transform their lives by having the clarity
Why do they want to establish if the etiquette are some of the essential requirements to thrive. To be a top destination for employers
household suits their personality? to work in the traditional household. to find leaders with values and integrity.
One is not better than the other; it is just Keeping calm, constantly prioritising, As India is his country of birth, Anand
the difference in lifestyle of the employer having the resilience to chase things, and chose to launch and run the course in India
or guests of the hotel. They have different dealing with various temperaments are for the first year before he took it to other parts
demands. Hence, if a butler prefers a formal some things to deal with in the informal of the world.
household, they might only last for a while in environment. The Butler schools around the world
an informal household. charge from 6000$- 30,000$ for the in-
Elegance vs Excess Balancing Formal and Informal: A house courses lasting anywhere between 2
The traditional households prioritise Butler’s Dilemma to 12 weeks. The London Butler Academy®
elegance, simplicity, and understated luxury. Most butlers are emotionally intelligent, introductory course costs Rs 4991, and the
The new rich often embrace luxury, which is so they know what sort of client will suit them; 3-month program costs 49,991. The London
often opulent and extravagant. hence, they want to see the kind of household Butler Academy® is a trademark of Aubrei
Formality vs Informality and the employers they are taking up work. Elite GmbH Switzerland.
A traditional household’s etiquette Further information is available at www.
and social norms are generally fixed and The Role of Education: Training Butlers butlercoachprem.com.
communicated to the household staff, and for the 21st Century Linked in www.linkedin/in/butlerprem.
there are few surprises. Everything is scheduled Butler training programs have evolved (In this series, you can explore various aspects
well ahead, including the visitors’ guest’s visits, to meet the changing demands of clients. of butler service, etiquette, and hospitality, providing
except the family might give short notice on Teaching modern technology and how it is readers with valuable tips, behind-the-scenes stories,
rare occasions. used in organising and administrating the and expert advice from a seasoned butler coach.). n

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