When you work in the private service industry, success isn't just about fulfilling tasks—it's about navigating the complex interpersonal dynamics of a household with a high level of emotional intelligence and professionalism. A crucial aspect of thriving in the professional service industry is mindset and attitude. In this blog, we’ll look at how having the right mindset can lead to long-term success, illustrated by a real-life anecdote from an experienced personal assistant.

In the private service industry, discretion and impeccable service are paramount, but maintaining the right mindset at work can make all the difference. Read on to see how a positive mindset meant that one employee was able to find success where other employees had been unable to.

What to Do If Your Employer Loses Their Temper

This personal assistant found herself in a challenging situation early in her tenure. The Principal, notorious for cycling through assistants at an alarming rate, instructed the newest assistant to take the family dog to the groomer before their trip to Florida. When the assistant and dog returned, the Principal discovered that the dog hadn't received the expected haircut, and had only been bathed. At this point, the situation escalated with the Principal losing her temper and becoming upset with her employee for not getting the dog a haircut. Whilst you could argue that instructions weren’t clear enough, or perhaps too much was assumed by both parties, what happened next though shows how this proactive employee was able to use her positive mindset to turn the situation around.

Despite the Principal's unclear instructions and emotional outburst, the assistant remained composed. Instead of reacting defensively or making excuses, she approached the situation with professionalism and was able to solve the problem. Acknowledging the oversight calmly, she assured the Principal that she understood the importance of the task and took immediate steps to rectify the situation. Because she didn’t take the outburst personally and instead focused on solving the problem, the assistant demonstrated a remarkable level of emotional intelligence and adaptability….

…And ultimately, this approach paid off.

Rather than facing termination like her predecessors, the assistant earned the Principal's respect and admiration. Impressed by her composure and problem-solving skills, the Principal acknowledged the assistant's superior handling of the situation and extended a heartfelt apology along with a generous gift.

This anecdote underscores a crucial aspect of success in the private service industry: the ability to navigate challenging situations with grace and professionalism. In a world where emotions often run high and expectations are sky-high, maintaining the right mindset is essential. When you work in somebody’s home, you see them at their best…and at their worst and therefore you have to be able to deal with the range of emotions you may see in a professional manner.

How to Be Successful as a Private Service Professional

One of the key lessons from this story is the importance of "reading" your employer and understanding their expectations and communication style. In the private service industry, employees are hired to anticipate their employer's needs and act in a manner that best serves their interests. This often requires setting aside personal emotions and responding to situations with a focus on problem-solving and efficiency.

It’s important to remember that success in the private service industry requires a shift in mindset from traditional corporate settings. Unlike in a corporate environment where there may be HR departments and established protocols for conflict resolution, private service roles demand a much more nuanced approach. Employees must learn to navigate interpersonal dynamics with diplomacy, often without the safety net of formalized procedures. It’s not always an easy part of the role, but if you can master this skill set, it can open doors to unparalleled opportunities for growth and career advancement.

The experience of this personal assistant is not unique, and is a fairly common anecdote across the private service industry. However, it serves as a powerful reminder of how retaining a positive mindset and attitude in the private service industry can lead to huge opportunities and career success in the long-term. If you’re looking to build a network in the high-end service industry, a reputation for maintaining professionalism and going above and beyond for your employer can go a long way.

Are you looking to for your next career move in the private service industry? Do you want to work as a family assistant, house manager or housekeeper in a luxury household?

Do you want to have access to the best nanny, housekeeper, house manager or other household employee vacancies?

Apply at My Household Managed today.