Early in my career, I attended a training where the instructor divided “soft skills” and “hard skills” into separate categories. At the time, it seemed logical. But as I gained more field experience, I realized that no skill fits neatly into a box when you’re on assignment. The rigid distinction between these categories doesn’t reflect the reality of executive protection, where success depends on seamlessly integrating all the tools in our arsenal. What truly matters is how we apply these skills in real time, not how we define or label them.

At its core, a skill is the ability to perform a task competently, honed through training, practice, and experience. It’s neither “soft” nor “hard”—it simply is. Whether we’re talking about calming a nervous client, identifying a potential threat, or responding to a medical emergency, these are all actions we take to achieve a specific outcome. Every skill in executive protection is a tool to accomplish the mission of protecting those within our charge.

Take communication, for example. It is one of the most frequently used skills in executive protection and, simultaneously, the source of the most common operational failures. On one assignment, we were tasked with moving a principal in and out of a country for a mission-critical meeting with a head of state. This undertaking involved a compressed timeline and the need to coordinate logistics for a meeting held at a major international event site where multiple security teams were already operating. Adding to the complexity, roadways near the meeting location were blocked due to the presence of the head of state and heightened security measures.

The operation required meticulous planning for private jet travel, gaining entry to and meeting government requirements in multiple countries, and managing the tight schedules and security in another country of other leaders within the principal’s organization who were part of this effort. On arrival, precise timing was critical to ensure smooth transitions through customs and security protocols. Ground transportation logistics had to account for changing road closures, event-related congestion, and real-time adjustments to ensure safe routes to and from the meeting.

Clear and effective communication was the foundation of the entire operation. It was essential to synchronize updates between aviation teams, ground transport, the principal’s staff, and our security team, as well as maintain coordination with others in the principal’s organization. Every detail—from landing clearances to route adjustments—had to be flawlessly executed. This effort required managing competing priorities and ensuring the principal reached the meeting on time while keeping the schedules and movements of other organizational leaders aligned.

Without precise communication, even a single misstep—such as a delay in ground transport, a missed update on security protocols, or a failure to align schedules—could have jeopardized the safety of the principal, the success of the meeting, and the ability to meet organizational objectives. Instead, the efficiency and accuracy of our communication and planning ensured the operation ran seamlessly. The principal reached the meeting on time, achieved their goals, and departed without incident, while the schedules of other key leaders within the organization were also maintained.

Interestingly, most of this real-world scenario relied heavily on what has been dubbed “soft skills”—the ability to communicate effectively, adapt to changes, build trust, and solve problems collaboratively in real time. These so-called “soft skills” were as critical as any technical knowledge or operational protocols, demonstrating that what we often define as intangible interpersonal abilities are just as essential to mission success.

Good communication is not just an operational necessity but also essential for gaining a seat at the table with those we protect. As executive protection professionals, we must articulate the necessity and value of protection in a way that resonates with the business units we serve. Protection is not an isolated function—it’s a core enabler of business success. Being heard requires credibility, and credibility comes from preparation, knowledge, and the ability to frame protection not as a cost but as an investment in continuity and safety.

I’ve always believed that the key to success in executive protection is mastering the art of being indispensable—not just as a protector but as a trusted advisor. It’s about merging into the principal’s world, anticipating needs, and providing solutions before problems arise. This requires a holistic approach to skill development. Real-world success doesn’t come from mastering “soft” or “hard” skills. It comes from mastering the ability to adapt, integrate, and execute seamlessly in service of the people and organizations we protect.

If we, as executive protection practitioners, focus on raising our standards and mastering the skills that matter most, we’ll not only support the best performers in their organizations but also elevate the entire field. Together, we can ensure that EP is seen not just as a protective service but as a vital part of success and continuity for those we serve.

Let’s shift the conversation away from labels and toward honing the skills we use every day. The focus must remain on the tools that allow us to protect, support our customers, and excel in our mission. When we practice purposefully, communicate with clarity, and present ourselves as indispensable, we redefine what it means to succeed in executive protection.