How to Increase a Corporation’s Competitive Advantage Through Executive Protection

Based on our experience and the feedback from our clients, we firmly believe that executive protection services can provide a competitive advantage to corporations. Although the concerns about terrorism and crime are valid, it is not the only benefit that corporate executive protection can offer. Along with increased safety from threats and risks, it also leads to enhanced productivity and a sense of happiness and peace of mind for executives.

In addition to these benefits, having a robust executive protection program can create a small but significant edge for companies compared to those without it. It goes without saying that everyone wants to have a competitive advantage in today’s business world.

Therefore, in this blog, we will discuss four ways in which implementing and managing a corporate executive protection program can increase the safety, productivity, and peace of mind of executives, leading to a competitive advantage for the corporation.

1. One of the benefits of good executive protection services is that it enables the C-suite executives to travel more.

It’s no secret that frequent business travel can take a toll on an individual’s mental and physical well-being. Despite the convenience of technology, there is still no substitute for in-person meetings, but business travel comes with its own set of costs, including decreased productivity and potential health risks.

During one of our client’s extended trips, the CEO, who was also the company’s top salesperson, passionate evangelist, and primary negotiator, shared what we consider the best one-liner on the advantages of corporate executive protection. He said, “You guys make it easier to travel, so we travel more.” This succinctly captures the significant advantage that executive protection can offer.

The ability to travel more efficiently and safely is especially crucial in emerging markets where much of the world’s economic growth is expected to take place in the next decade.

https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/newsplus/harvard-growth-lab-projects-fastest-growing-economies-to-2030

In most of these countries, travel risks are higher due to inadequate infrastructure and other factors. For instance, Vietnam, Uganda and India have notoriously poor infrastructure, and travelers are more likely to be injured in a traffic accident than a terrorist attack. However, with manageable risks, corporations with good executive protection and logistical support are less likely to avoid business opportunities in these regions and therefore more likely to gain market share.

1. Executive protection services can increase the productivity of C-suite executive.

whether they are working from home or traveling. With well-coordinated logistics, commuting time can be transformed into work time, allowing executives to spend their time on more critical business matters instead of dealing with traffic.

The same is true when traveling, where time between destinations can be utilized for holding extra meetings or preparing for upcoming ones. By providing concierge-like support, professional executive protection teams can reduce risks and enhance productivity. They can take care of simple errands like getting the dry cleaning done, freeing up the principal’s time to focus on more important tasks.

Good executive protection services operate in the background and do not interrupt the principal’s work. By working closely with executive administrative assistants, they can eliminate or limit disruptions that may occur during the day, such as unexpected visits from colleagues.

This helps executives stay focused and maintain their reputation both internally and externally. Additionally, when executive protection services enhance productivity, they also contribute to better security practices.

By establishing a smooth daily flow and maintaining control of strategic points, they ensure that things are moving along efficiently while minimizing security risks.

1. Good executive protection provides the C-suite with a sense of security and peace of mind that enables them to perform at their best.

Worrying about their own safety or that of their family can be a serious distraction for executives, but with proper protection, they can focus their mental energy on their work without being sidetracked by security concerns.

While executive protection can’t prevent every invasion of privacy, it can significantly reduce the likelihood of such incidents occurring, limiting distractions and enabling the principal to focus on their responsibilities. Additionally, well-designed protection programs can safeguard the principal’s loved ones without disrupting their lives or drawing undue attention.

Furthermore, good executive protection is characterized by its ability to protect the principal’s reputation and that of the corporation. Unlike amateurish protection that can lead to negative press, professional executive protection is designed to prevent incidents that can cause unwanted attention. Protection agents handle paparazzi and other potential distractions with professionalism and decorum, avoiding mindless retaliation that can harm the principal’s image and reputation.

1. Executive protection is crucial for maintaining business continuity, especially in the face of unexpected events.

The sudden incapacitation or death of a CEO not only affects their family and friends but can also have a significant impact on business performance and share prices.

Research has shown that around seven CEOs of S&P companies die each year, and that 75% of these deaths are sudden. In such cases, share prices typically drop several points upon announcement, especially if the CEO was well-respected and successful.

Although no executive protection program can prevent death from any cause, well-designed programs can significantly reduce the risk of untimely deaths.

For instance, principals who are driven by professionally trained security drivers are less likely to be involved in traffic accidents.

Additionally, principals who have protection agents trained in CPR and who always carry automated external defibrillators are more likely to survive cardiac arrest, a leading cause of sudden death.

By ensuring the safety and well-being of the CEO, executive protection programs play an important role in promoting business continuity.

Corporations should take advantage of all competitive angles.

It’s noteworthy that some corporations obtain key-person insurance policies for select members of their C-suite, as corporate boards understand that the sudden absence of such individuals would have a notable negative impact. However, it raises the question: why aren’t more companies looking into executive protection programs for these same individuals, given the competitive advantage they offer?

Ask us about how to start a corporate executive protection program and the importance of the first 90 days to be successful.

Source: How to Increase a Corporation's Competitive Advantage Through Executive Protection - Executive Support & Logistics (eslna.com)