Qualities of A Spy

If you have ever fantasized about being a spy, you might want to know the qualities you must have to be a spy. From military background experience to higher education and languages, there are many interesting things to find. There are no colleges which will give you a task to write a custom term paper on how to spy, but we can tell you a little about it.

Here are some qualities the Agency looks for in a candidate. If you want to be a successful intelligence officer, you must possess these qualities through your service and even after retirement. While some of these qualities must be taught and learned, others are part of the officer’s intrinsic character.

These qualities include:

• Integrity
• Honor and Courage
• Flexibility
• Confidence
• Humility
• Amiability
• Subjectivity
• Objectivity
• Sense of Humor

1. Integrity

Integrity ranks first on the list of qualities required in a spy. This quality is one that is difficult to maintain. You must learn to do the right thing even when no one sees you! So no matter where you find yourself, your colleagues, and the Agency at large must trust you always to do the right thing.

2. Honor and Courage

Honor and courage are qualities needed not only on the battlefield but also on a day-to-day basis. For example, a spy must remain courageous when a mission goes wrong or when they are caught. Spies may be put through unbearable pain if an enemy need to extract some information from them. But they must bear the pain. 

3. Flexibility

Contrary to popular beliefs, a spy must be flexible. Things can change in a heartbeat, especially in the intelligence community. But as a spy, you must adapt as quickly as the change occurs. Whatever life throws at you, you need to be mentally prepared! 

4. Confidence

If there’s anything you must learn as a spy, it is the ability to be confident. Confidence plays key roles in the life of a spy. If you walk into any place with confidence, you will walk out with freedom! 

5. Humility

The idea people have of a spy is a proud individual with class and all. While this may be true, a spy does have traits of humility. Humility does not mean lacking self-confidence or being timid. It simply means the acknowledgment of the fact that you’re human and can make mistakes.

6. Amiable

The military and intelligence community at large know that it is not easy to be friendly. Day in, day out, they come across many embittered superiors who pass down these traits to many subordinates. While you must strive to be friendly, you must never make yourself a pushover. 

7. Subjective

While we all have our opinions, a spy must never become influenced by personal emotions or opinions. The only true thing in the intelligence world is facts. So, if you want to be a spy, you must come to terms with this requirement. Never be swayed by racism, prejudice, or emotions!

8. Objective

Sometimes, you may have to be objective in approach. For example, you may be asked what you think about a particular person, incidence, and what have you. So, flex your opinion muscle but only at the right time.

9. Sense of Humor

The last trait, but certainly not the least, is that a spy must learn to maintain a sense of humor. You should be able to laugh off certain situations and even at yourself and your mistakes!

Final Thoughts 

Being a spy is a great calling as much as it is cool!