Working in International Households: The 7 Most Important Soft Skills
Insights | 28.01.2026
Working in an international household is unlike any other professional environment. It is complex, deeply personal, and constantly evolving. While professional expertise is essential, it is only part of the equation. Those who work for international decision-makers take on far more than a traditional service role – they become trusted insiders in a highly sensitive setting.
Multiple residences across time zones, constantly changing schedules, unforeseen situations, and exceptionally high expectations are part of everyday life for globally active entrepreneurs, athletes, and political figures. This naturally shapes the demands placed on those who support them at home. So what does it really take to succeed in such an exclusive and demanding environment? Strong technical qualifications provide the foundation. Long-term success, however, depends primarily on emotional intelligence and character. This is why recruiters increasingly look beyond CVs and references. “For us, it’s always a combination of facts and gut feeling,” says Elmar Huber, CEO of OPMG. Outstanding service begins where professionalism meets personality. Experts identify the following seven soft skills as essential for building trust, ensuring smooth collaboration, and establishing long-term working relationships in international households:
1. Discretion – the non-negotiable foundation
Discretion cannot be learned overnight. It is a mindset. Working closely with international decision-makers means gaining insight into both business affairs and the most private aspects of life. Handling such information with absolute sensitivity is essential. As chauffeur and transport entrepreneur Esat Piri puts it: “What is said in the back seat must never leave the car.” Trust is fragile – and once broken, it is almost impossible to rebuild.
2. Empathy – reading people and situations
Empathy is one of the most important – and most demanding – soft skills in international households. It is not about emotional closeness, but about accurately reading people, moods, and situations and responding appropriately. Maternity nurse and nanny Gerlinde Grunt highlights its importance when working with families: “When women become mothers, they don’t stop being daughters, partners, or friends. Understanding that makes all the difference.” Empathetic staff sense emotional shifts early and know when to step in – and when to step back.
3. Loyalty and integrity – trust that lasts
Long-term employment relationships are often the goal in high-profile households. Employers seek individuals they can rely on for many years, both professionally and personally. Loyalty and integrity form the backbone of this trust. This does not imply blind obedience. True professionalism lies in acting in the household’s best interest while remaining true to one’s own values.
4. Teamwork – excellence is never a solo effort
Chefs, butlers, security personnel, nannies, and chauffeurs all contribute to keeping daily life running smoothly – often across multiple locations and time zones. Success depends on seamless collaboration. Professional household staff work toward shared goals, communicate responsibly, and support one another proactively. Ego, competition, and silo thinking have no place here. In international households, excellence is always a team effort.
5. Adaptability – staying calm amid constant change
Frequent travel, last-minute changes, and shifting priorities are part of the job. Adaptability is therefore essential. This does not mean self-sacrifice, but the ability to prioritise under pressure, respond calmly to change, and maintain consistently high standards. “Improvisation is part of my everyday work,” says butler Nadja Ruby. Whether supplies run out or plans change at short notice, “I stay calm and quietly find a solution.” Those who demonstrate flexibility and composure become a stabilising force – highly valued in any international household.
6. Service orientation – excellence without theatrics
Exceptional service is subtle. It is personalised, anticipatory, and discreet. At the highest level, service often means meeting needs before they are even articulated – without drawing attention to oneself. The focus is never on personal performance, but on the value created for the household. As Nadja Ruby explains: “I am present, but not visible. That’s not a contradiction – it’s the craft.”
7. Communication skills – clear, respectful, and discreet
Communication in international households requires a fine balance. It calls for clarity without assertiveness and presence without intrusion. Knowing when to ask questions – and when silence is more appropriate – is essential. Tone, timing, and context matter. When communication is handled well, it fosters smooth processes, mutual respect, and a harmonious working environment.
You can reach OPMG by phone at +49 89 414243 99-0 or by email at office@opmgstaff.com.
Their clientele includes global entrepreneurs and corporations, aristocrats, icons from sport and lifestyle, and world-class decision-makers. The team operates internationally and across borders, with Europe as its base – and soon with an office in Zurich, Switzerland. OPMG works exclusively on a success-based model – no upfront fees, no hidden costs. Placement is always free for candidates.
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