7.3 The skills needed to be a property security guard: Ability to make quick and effective decisions
Working as a security guard requires a range of skills that go beyond physical strength and the ability to intimidate potential criminals. One of the most important, and often underestimated, skills is the ability to make quick and effective decisions in high-pressure situations. This skill is crucial to ensure the safety of the property and people that a security guard is responsible for protecting.
Making quick and effective decisions is a skill that involves several sub-skills. First, it is necessary to have excellent observation skills. A good security guard must be able to pick up on subtle details that could indicate a potential threat. This could include suspicious behavior, misplaced objects, or anything that seems out of the ordinary. This observation skill must be honed so that the security guard can identify a threat before it becomes a problem.
Second, quick and effective decision-making also involves the ability to quickly assess a situation. This means being able to assess the threat level, the possible consequences of different actions, and the best course of action to take. This requires a clear understanding of security policies and procedures, as well as an ability to think critically and quickly.
Third, quick and effective decision-making also requires courage. In many cases, a security guard may be required to intervene in a potentially dangerous situation. This may require them to put their own security at risk to protect property and the people under their protection. Courage is needed to make the decision to intervene, even when doing so can be frightening.
In addition, the ability to make quick and effective decisions also involves communication skills. A security guard must be able to communicate his decisions clearly and effectively to others, whether that be co-workers, the police, or the people being protected. This can involve verbal communication, such as giving clear instructions during an emergency situation, or non-verbal communication, such as using body language to indicate the direction of a threat.
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Finally, quick and effective decision making requires good stress management skills. High-pressure situations can be stressful, and a security guard must be able to manage his own stress so that he can make clear and effective decisions. This can involve stress management techniques such as deep breathing or simply being able to remain calm under pressure.
In summary, the ability to make quick and effective decisions is a crucial skill for a security guard. It involves a combination of observation, assessment, courage, communication and stress management. By developing these skills, a security guard will be better able to protect property and the people in his charge.
