As a security guard, your first goal at your job is to keep your post and the people inside of it safe. Security guards are often the first responders in a life or death situation and usually the first person people turn to in a time of need. Whether you work at a mall or office building, your job is extremely important and you should take pride it in. A well-informed, well-educated security guard will be more valuable to any orlando security company they choose to work for and others will appreciate the acquired knowledge of a smart and perceptive guard. Like most jobs, continuous learning is ideal. Here are six tips to help you become the best security guard you can be.
Practice continuous learning.
If there are workshops and seminars to attend, new information/methods to learn and/or certificates to obtain, take the initiative to get all the knowledge you can. Not only will your employer be impressed but your knowledge in your field will be appreciated. While you’re in training, take lots of notes and keep a close eye on what they’re saying. Additionally, go to refresher courses when they’re offered. These give you the chance to learn from more experienced guards and it’s a great chance to practice continuous learning.
Stay in great shape.
Don’t get lazy just because you got the job. Continue to work out regularly to make sure you’re prepared for all situations. Practice strength and aerobic training so that you are always in the best condition and ready for whatever your job requires of you. Whether you need to outrun a thief or break up a fight, it’s important to have reasonable physical strength and fitness to keep up with offenders. An unfit guard might not be able to perform their role optimally as being in good physical shape leads to mental alertness.
Find a mentor.
A mentor can offer guidance, advice and act as a sounding board. If you can find someone that can give you good advice when you need it, you’ll have a better chance of being a great security guard. They can also point you in the right direction when you need it and give you constructive criticism in order to help you become better over time. Ask any experienced security guard that you work with for their advice and don’t be afraid to come up with your own tips and tricks based on your personal experiences.
Never make assumptions.
When you make assumptions, you’re more likely than not to be wrong and that can get both you and the company you work for in trouble. Don’t assume someone is safe because they’re in a suit and tie or uniform or just because you’ve seen them around before. Follow the rules for everyone—not just the people you deem suspicious. Always keep your guard up and eyes open. Additionally, be open to change and flexible enough to adjust your routine as needed. Being open-minded and avoiding making assumptions helps a lot in the long run.
Be alert.
Being a security guard means that you have to be alert at all times and able to assess what’s going on around you. It’s necessary to constantly stay focused and avoid distractions as much as possible or you might risk missing something that could prove important. A heightened sense of awareness and alertness can help you determine if a situation or a person is a threat. As a security guard, you have to analyze any given situation quickly so that you can decide how to address it. Alertness can be improved through training.
Have strong communication skills.
Between reporting to your employer, your teammates and the public, you need to be able to explain what you’re doing quickly and effectively so that you can direct the situation in the safest way possible. Clear, courteous communication can be the deciding factor in handling a tricky situation effectively. The ability to listen is also a fundamental characteristic of an excellent security guard as it can help you diffuse a situation that might have led to a disastrous outcome. Finally, watch your body language, hand gestures and tone of voice.