Service Protocols
for the Household of Sir Stephen

Standards for Behavior in Sir Stephen’s Household:

  1. All members of The Household will be Drug and Alcohol Free while in The Household.
  1. All members of the Household are reminded that life, including training, is about Progress not Perfection.
  1. All members of the Household will adhere to rigorous standards of honesty. All forms dishonesty including: lying, withholding of information, misdirection, manipulation, etc. will be justification for punishment and may be cause for dismissal.
  1. Obedience to the Head of the Household is required. It is My experience that obedience is based upon the development of Humility and initial training will focus upon the physical, emotional and spiritual basis for Humility and Submission.
  1. The overall goal of members of the Household should be to contribute to the material, emotional and spiritual well-being of the Household and the Head of the Household. The attainment of individual and Household serenity should be regarded as a guiding virtue.

OVERVIEW:

Why are these Protocols being written?

They are written to ensure a clear understanding of appropriate behavior in various life situations. To give all parties a permanent, fixed point of reference and referral. These Protocols maybe amended or changed at anytime at the Owners discretion.

The Protocols are not designed to cover every conceivable circumstance or condition. They are designed to create a framework in which the property may expect to find guidance that will apply to any situation. Detailed explanation has been given for the most commonly anticipated situations…the property is expected to extrapolate from these.

The property should retain, at all times, an awareness of the fact that their behavior and performance reflects upon their Owner. In addition to performing admirably as a result of following the Protocols and rules of the Household, property excels when, as a consequence of observation and study of the Owner, the needs of the Owner are anticipated and met in an unobtrusive manner. A good servant does not call attention to him or herself at any time.

Known rituals and rules and may not be repeated in the Protocols, that does not mean they are no longer in effect.

Covered below are:

  1. Basics of Speech and Attitude
  2. Basic Commands, Physical Positions, Household Responsibilities and Rituals
  3. The Protocols

THE BASICS OF SPEECH AND ATTITUDE:

Truth is truth, and truth well stated is a rare thing. It would be a poor use of My time to try and find better words…so:

The following basics are taken verbatim from the West Wing Protocol Guidelines and I thank them for their support, guidance, and assistance. The Protocols that follow are unique to the Household of Sir Stephen and are binding only upon members of His Household.

  1. “Good manners are always appropriate.”

There is no excuse for rudeness or a lack of manners in any interchange. Not only within the authority structure, but outside. It is the first lesson of representation and personal accountability.

  1. “Gratitude is always appropriate.”

Recognition of the efforts and attentions of a Superior

is a minimum expectation. No matter how negative the attention seems, the alternative is for the Superior not to grant attention at all- to ignore or dismiss. The sense of thankfulness, humility and gratitude for being allowed to serve is vital.

  1. “When in doubt, ask. When in need, request.”

Rather than let a question go by and be incorrect,

the property must first be ready to ask questions and listen carefully to the answers. When a matter entails a need;

requires permission; or brings up a critical issue, a formal “request” will draw the Superior’s attention to the matter at hand.

  1. “Minimum amount of words, maximum amount of information.”

Communication is a precise science. In order to be

heard and understood, learning to shed extraneous embellishments is a critical skill.

  1. “Acknowledge a request, order or mistake.”

To be sure a request or an order has been heard and

understood, an acknowledgement is appropriate. To acknowledge a mistake properly, an apology -- without disclaimers or excuses; mentioning and taking accountability for the error is mandatory. This allows both parties to be certain that the error is fully understood, thus preventing further error.

BASIC COMMANDS, PHYSICAL POSITIONS, RITUALS, AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

FOR ALL POSITIONS, AT ALL LEVELS OF PROTOCOL: ASSUME THE POSITION SILENTLY AND NO FIDGETING!

  1. “Kneel”:

All levels of Protocol: property kneels on knees, back straight, legs arranged in a comfortable position, head down, hands open, at sides, until released.

Hand signal: Hand clenched in a fist, fingers facing down

  1. “Sit”:
  2. Low Protocol: property will sit on furniture or floor at the property’s discretion, unless specifically directed by the Owner. The property may move about freely from the sitting position and does not require a release to stand.
  3. Medium Protocol: property will sit on the floor unless otherwise directed by the Owner. The property may move about freely from the sitting position and does not require a release to stand.
  4. High Protocol: property will sit on the floor, within easy reach of the Owner, unless otherwise directed by the Owner. Property must be released in order to stand or move about. Release is implicit if the property is given a command or otherwise assigned a task requiring movement.
  5. Hand signal: Fingers curled pointing downwards
  6. “Stand”:
  7. All Protocols: the property stands, hands open, at sides, within reach of the Owner, head bowed until released.
  8. Hand signal: Hand “on edge”
  1. “Behind”: property assumes a pre-designated position relative to the Owner.
  2. Low Protocol – “position” is not applicable
  3. Medium and High Protocol
  4. Owner seated – position is behind and to the left. property must be released to move from position. Release is implicit when given a command or task requiring movement, or if the Owner moves from the seated position. The property should return to the abandoned “position” as soon as the command is fulfilled or the task completed unless otherwise directed by the Owner. If the property requires attention she will place her hand gently on the Owner’s shoulder, let it rest there briefly, and wait for recognition.
  5. Owner standing – position is behind and to the left. property must be released to move from position. Release is implicit when given a command or task requiring movement, or if the Owner moves from the standing position. The property should return to the abandoned “position” as soon as the command is fulfilled or the task completed unless otherwise directed by the Owner. If the property requires attention she will place her hand gently on the Owner’s shoulder, let it rest there briefly, and wait for recognition.
  6. Owner walking – position is behind and to the left. property must be released to move from position. Release is implicit when given a command or task requiring abandoning the “position.” The property should return to the abandoned “position” as soon as the command is fulfilled or the task completed unless otherwise directed by the Owner. If the property requires attention she will make a verbal request and wait for recognition.
  7. Hand signal: Hand signal: Hand held up, palm facing Owner.

HOUSEHOLD RESPONSIBILITIES:

  1. Relationship Maintenance:

Weekly talks focused on the relationship are mandatory. The talks are designed to bring to light issues that may have been buried or glossed over in the course of the week owing to the normal demands and stresses of life. During talks the property may freely express feelings, thoughts, desires, etc. without fear of violating Protocols.

  1. Domestic Service:
  1. The property will maintain a clean environment for the Owner. (Part of this process is hourly inspection of the household for used dishes, items that have fallen to the floor, etc. – such items should NEVER be allowed to sit in the Owners sight for over an hour.)
  2. Items taken out and used will be put away promptly so as not to clutter up the Owner’s environment.
  3. The property will do the grocery shopping.
  4. The property will prepare all meals, unless the Owner wishes to prepare his own, or wishes to dine out.
  5. The property will keep the Owner’s wardrobe clean and in good repair.
  6. The property will maintain the household calendar.
  7. The property will strive to economize in all areas.
  8. The property will run such errands and perform such tasks, as the owner deems necessary.
  1. Accounting Services:
  2. The property will maintain the household and business accounts.
  1. Rituals:
  2. Greeting the Owner: When the Owner has been absent and returns, he will signal before opening the door. The property shall kneel upright, eyes down, at the door awaiting the Owner’s entry. As the Owner approaches, the property may, as a sign of affection and respect, embrace the Owner’s knees, and afterwards raise her head. The property will remain in this position until released verbally or by hand gesture. This ritual is suspended only when the Low-Level Non-lifestyle Protocol is in effect.
  3. Doors: The property will wait upon the Owner to open doors into or out of buildings, as well as into cars. This is done in recognition of the fact that the property may not enter or exit without the permission of the Owner.
  4. Burdens: The carrying of light burdens shall be assumed to be the responsibility of the property. The determination of what constitutes “light” shall lie with the Owner. Despite the property’s natural desire to carry all such burdens the Owner’s decision to take all or part of a burden will be immediately and without question obeyed.
  5. Outerwear: At all levels of Protocol, except Low Non-lifestyle, the property will observe the Owner to see if the Owner wishes to be assisted with removing, or putting on, of outerwear.

Service rituals, being somewhat more complicated than the rituals above, are addressed in the Protocols section below.

THE PROTOCOLS:

The Protocols described below define general patterns of behavior for typical real life situations that we all encounter. They are intended to give both the Owner and the property a framework in which to act and react to such social situations.

That which is of paramount importance and should never be overlooked in any circumstance is the spiritual nature of the call to service experienced by the property. Spiritual grace in service, a respectful tone and demeanor, these things will yield satisfaction for both the Owner and the property in virtually any situation. The specifics of the Protocols are a training tool designed to assist the property in attaining and the desired spiritual frame of mind effortlessly. It is understood that this will require of both the property and the Owner a sustained effort and commitment to training over time.

Within the framework it will be incumbent upon the property to ascertain the correct details of behavior suited to the situation in which the property finds itself. Should the Owner feel that the property did not achieve the desired response, but made an honest effort to do so, it will be incumbent upon the Owner to instruct and correct the property. Should the property, through lack of effort or willful disobedience, fail to behave appropriately; it will be incumbent upon the Owner to apply a suitable punishment.

As of this writing, the Protocols will be defined as Low, Medium, and High. Low Protocol will have two sub-categories: lifestyle and non-lifestyle.

LOW PROTOCOL:

  1. Non-lifestyle: This level of Protocol applies to activities outside the household where the property and the Owner are together. Family gatherings, work-related activities, and social gatherings with mixed or non-lifestyle participants would be typical of these situations. While the use of the Honorifics “Sir” and “Master” would be inappropriate in these situations, the grace of good manners and decorum described in the BASICS above ALWAYS apply. Except for the minor behaviors described below, behavior should appear to be “vanilla” in all other respects.
  1. Physical bearing:
  2. When approaching the Owner, incline the head slightly to indicate respect, and then return the head to a normal position.
  3. The property will place her hands at her sides when initiating a conversation with the Owner, in on-going conversation the property may assume any comfortable position, standing, kneeling, sitting or reclining.
  1. Speech:
  2. At this level of Protocol the property may initiate conversations except during designated “Quiet Time(s)”.
  3. property will always use a subdued and respectful tone of voice when addressing the Owner.
  4. Any conversation that the property has with the Owner in the presence of others should be structured so as not to interfere with the Owner’s ability to direct the property, or to cause any social discomfit on the part of the Owner or any other parties present at the time. If the property is uncertain as to the potential negative impact of a statement it is best to refrain from speaking.
  1. Physical Separation: This applies primarily to situations like stores, walking on the street, etc.
  2. Always request permission before leaving the Owner’s side, as in: “Sir, may I wander on my own…”
  1. Non-command Commands: In non-lifestyle situations the Owner may not be able to give direct commands. The property therefore should strive to be aware of phrases that constitute commands in these situations (e.g. “Why don’t you…”, “If you wouldn’t mind, why don’t you…”).
    The use of the word “really” in the above phrases (or similar phrases) indicates an urgent command. As in: “I would really appreciate it if you would…”

LOW PROTOCOL (Continued – lifestyle):

  1. Lifestyle: This level of Protocol applies to activities inside the household, and for activities outside the household where the property and the Owner are together, and assumes that no non-lifestyle individuals or circumstances are intruding to create a “non-lifestyle” environment (i.e., visiting children or business associates). Other people, in and out of the lifestyle, may be present in these situations. First and foremost, the grace of good manners and decorum describe in the BASICS above ALWAYS apply.
  1. Physical bearing:
  2. When approaching the Owner, the property will incline the head slightly to indicate respect, and then return the head to a normal position.
  3. Hands at sides when initiating a conversation with the Owner, in on-going conversation the property may assume any comfortable position, standing, kneeling, or sitting.
  4. Speech:
  5. At this level of Protocol the property may initiate conversations except during designated “Quiet Time(s).”
  6. property will always use a subdued and respectful tone of voice when addressing the Owner.
  7. Any conversation that the property has with the Owner in the presence of others should be structured so as not to interfere with the Owner’s ability to direct the property, or to cause any social discomfit on the part of the Owner or any other parties present at the time. If the property is uncertain as to the potential negative impact of a statement it is best to refrain from speaking.
  1. Commands that create conflicts:
  2. If the Owner has given multiple commands that confuse the property the property should request clarification by specifically stating: “Please Sir I require a clarification.”
  3. If the property is engaged in an activity and a command is given that creates a conflict (e.g. “Come Here” when the property is in the midst of handling hot items while cooking, or ironing, the ONLY correct reply is “Please Sir, I require a moment.”). This precise reply alerts the Owner to the fact that you are physically prevented from complying but that you will comply as soon as you are physically able.
  4. Computer related activities: When given a command if the property is at the computer carrying out a previously given command from, the Owner or performing a time limited activity such as filling in an order form that qualifies as a conflict. Involvement in a chat program DOES NOT qualify as a conflict. The property is required to apply commonsense to differentiate between such activities.
  1. Service Presentation:
  2. Food items (other than meals): Whenever a food item is given to the Owner, the property will curtsey and say words to the effect of: “Your ______Master,” or “The ______you requested, Sir.”
  3. Meal Service: When a meal is presented, the property will kneel, head down, and say: “Your meal is served Sir.” The words “Breakfast,” “Lunch,” or “Dinner” may be used in lieu of “meal.”
  4. Non-food items: No special Protocol is required for non-food items. It is however never considered wrong or incorrect to curtsey or use such phrases as indicated above when presenting the Owner with any item.
  1. Physical Separation: This applies primarily to situations like stores, walking on the street, etc.
  2. Always request permission before leaving the Owner’s side, as in: “Sir, may I wander on my own…”
  3. Request permission to share something with the Owner, as in: “Sir, may we look at…?” or Sir, may I show you…?” Bear in mind these are requests and may be denied. The property will accept such denials with good grace.

MEDIUM PROTOCOL: A note about the Medium and High Protocols. The Owner may invoke these at any time and the property is not to question a change in Protocol level, but is simply to switch to the indicated Protocol. This level (Medium) of Protocol applies to commonplace lifestyle situations such as: informal gatherings of lifestyle friends in or out of the home, attendance at clubs, meetings at BDSM organizations, etc.