4-minute read
Security guards are often the first line of defense in conflict or threatening situations. Whether they guard property or people, they require certain aptitudes and instincts beyond their training to ensure the safety of the environments they watch over.
Today’s article details the essential skills every security guard must master to excel in their role and why they are critical to success.
Top Nine Skills Every Security Guard Must Have
Security guard training and certification provide the technical and industry knowledge people need to find employment in the field. However, what separates top security personnel from their peers are the soft and innate skills they possess. Mastering these skills will set you apart from other candidates when applying for positions and help you be safer and more effective on the job.
Here are the top nine most critical skills for security guards today.
1. Communication
Good communication skills are essential for security guards as they must be able to understand and convey instructions during incidents and emergencies. Mastering verbal and written communication ensure understanding and enables collaboration between first responders and the public. Other aspects of communication include being able to read non-verbal cues such as body language, which can be integral to evaluating a person’s state of mind. Communicating well digitally is also key, as clarity, efficiency, and speed are required to keep everyone coordinated.
2. Decision-Making
Security guards need to be able to assess situations and respond quickly. Threatening scenarios can escalate rapidly, so they must be able to determine the threat level and decide the most appropriate course of action. Decision-making skills can be cultivated through training but require a solid grasp of established protocols, which provide a framework in high-intensity situations. Timely decisions can help diffuse potential threats and avoid serious consequences and injury.
3. Problem-Solving
Security guards may find themselves dealing with complex situations that require problem-solving ability. Scenarios could include break-ins, alarms, severe weather events, injuries, accidents, or managing emergencies. In any of these cases, the guard will need to assess the situation quickly and implement solutions to avoid further risk to life or property. Problem-solving includes staying calm under pressure, adapting to rapidly changing circumstances, and liaising with multiple stakeholders to enable resolution, keeping people safe and premises secure.
4. Conflict Resolution
Conflict resolution skills are highly desirable traits for security guards to learn and cultivate. Security incidents sometimes include confrontations, disputes, or criminal activity that could escalate into dangerous territory. Building conflict resolution skills enables security guards to de-escalate situations and stay calm while doing it, reducing the potential for physical altercations. Conflict resolution can be taught, and skills can be honed through practice and experience. Good communication skills, empathy, and active listening support guards in understanding others’ perspectives so a mutually agreeable solution can be reached.
5. Observational Skills
Excellent observational skills engage all senses, helping security guards identify potential threats or suspicious behavior. Mastering observational skills may help the guard get in front of the situation and stop incidents from escalating. Guards can hone their skills through training and experience, allowing them to recognize unusual behavior, facial expressions, or other behavioral patterns that could indicate a threatening situation. The ability to articulate observations is also vital, as security guards must document and describe incidents to ensure compliance and keep colleagues in the loop.
6. Customer Service
Security guards must work with all kinds of people, from citizens to employees, police, paramedics, firefighters, and the public. Strong customer service skills help guards communicate information calmly and empathetically, instilling trust and reassurance in highly charged situations. Considering the diversity of potential security assignments, guards must be able to function well in any environment, as their demeanor can be the difference between calm and chaos. Good customer service skills include patience, empathy, and professionalism. Developing these skills helps build trust with the people they serve, improving compliance and cooperation, even in tense moments.
7. Physical Fitness
Security guards often need to respond quickly in high-pressure situations. Physically fit guards can significantly reduce response time and may be able to prevent security breaches altogether. Fitness builds stamina and endurance, reduces fatigue, enables guards to patrol larger areas, and ensures alertness throughout the shift. Strength is an asset if the guard needs to restrain individuals, carry, or move heavy objects. Fit individuals also often have better reflexes, which is an asset when having to move quickly or act in self-defense.
8. Technological Proficiency
Technical acumen is not just a desirable trait—it’s a must in today’s world. The security industry relies heavily on technology to support almost every aspect of the work. Guards need to be proficient with security systems, communications devices, access control, and alarm systems and be able to troubleshoot issues to ensure they are working properly. In some cases, guards may be responsible for monitoring multiple locations using remote technology, so they must gain a high level of comfort using those tools and applying them to their work. With increased reliance on technology, guards must also be aware of the potential for cybersecurity breaches and know how to recognize, prevent, and remediate security events should they occur.
9. First Aid and CPR
Security guards may find themselves in injury situations where time is of the essence and action must be taken immediately. Formal first aid and CPR training is an asset as it allows guards to intervene until medical help arrives on the scene. Basic medical training such as this helps guards manage emergencies more efficiently, mitigating risk to people and property. Considering longer ambulance and police response times these days, such skills could mean the difference between life and death.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, we’ve covered some of the essential skills every security guard should master: good decision-making skills, communication, conflict resolution, observation, physical fitness, problem-solving, customer service, tech proficiency, and first aid are just a few of the traits that will help you stand out as a leader in the security field.
To learn more about Defencify Academy or to enroll in online training, reach out today.
