Tag Archives: executive protection

Its not what you call yourself that defines you.

In modern society, it seems that all age-old descriptive titles have given way for more ‘civilized’ names. Because of political correctness, or some new-age way of correcting a long-time stereotype, things change – sometimes for better, sometimes for worse.

• Bounty Hunters now conduct Fugitive Recovery or Bail Enforcement. 
• Stewardesses spent a time being called flight attendants, but have since become known as “Flight Crew”. 
• Secretaries are now known as Administrative Assistants.
• And, of course, bodyguards are now Executive Protection Specialists or Close Protection Officers.

To some, the term ‘bodyguard‘ projects an image of a 400 pound brute gate keeper, with virtually no concept of tactic or skill, other than that of hired-muscle. But, it is a term that everyone knows. The media uses it. People searching for security use it. And it’s what some clients use on a regular basis, particularly when searching for a new security provider or casually talking (executive protection specialist can be a bit much to just roll off the tongue in a casual conversation)

I often get questions like “Why do you still use that word?” and some even have the gall to question one’s professionalism because they use it. I was recently told of a comment from a guy wanting to get into the security industry – that said he would not work with someone that referred to themselves as a “bodyguard”, or join any association that used the term in their name.

I wonder, did the guy think his statement made him sound more professional, or more in-tune to the industry – possibly hoping his words would trigger someone to hire him because of his belief of what is the ‘right term’ to use? While some may think it to be an uncivilized term, it is still at the top of the current-day terms used to describe the profession, particularly in this Google-age.

While those in the know may search for “executive protection”, “close protection”, “personal security” or the like; chances are good that most search for “bodyguard”, “celebrity bodyguard”, “vip protection” or a variation to describe the service they want, not the ‘official’ title given by someone in the industry.

It’s not what one calls themselves that defines their professionalism, or their knowledge of the job they are tasked with… it’s the way they act, the way they work and, yes, the way they provide the service that they are tasked to perform.

About Michael Saad

Michael Saad is an International Security Consultant providing bodyguard and security services to corporate VIP's, dignitaries and celebrity clients.

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