The Steward
The Good Servant Guide – everything you need to know about finding the right staff
The post of steward in a grand house is of absolutely vital importance. A good steward keeps a house running smoothly and always ensures that the other servants working at the house are in good order.
In order to demonstrate what makes a good steward, we arranged to meet Malvolio the highly respected steward at the house of the gracious Countess Olivia.
Good Servant Guide- Malvolio, thank you for finding the time in your busy day to talk to us. What would you say makes a good steward?
Malvolio- A good steward should be serious, upright and calm at all times. It is of fundamental importance that your master or mistress should not have to be concerned with the running of the house so the steward must take that responsibility upon himself.
GSG- A steward is responsible for the management of other servants in the house. How would you say this aspect of the role should be carried out?
Malvolio- You must have firm rules for the other servants to follow. Any slip-shod work must be severely punished to prevent standards from falling. Only by firm control can you keep the other staff in line.
GSG- Are there any particular problems in your role which it might be useful to share?
Malvolio- A difficulty can arise with other guests staying with your master or mistress. For instance, my mistress has a relative staying who, I am afraid to say, has not quite the same approach to life in a great house that one would expect. This can be quite difficult to deal with.
GSG- Finally, do you have any plans for the future such as a promotion you would like to tell us about?
Malvolio- Well, I think I can say that my role in the house of a great lady such as my mistress prepares one for greater things. I have hopes that my worth will be noticed and lead to a promotion which will surprise those who know me!
GSG- We will wait and see then! Thank you for your time Malvolio.
Just tell them how you feel; if they keep doing this tell you employer.