Security guards deal with different people every single day. It comes with their job since they handle the safety and security of the place they are assigned to. That’s why it is only fitting that they can properly navigate the environment to work well with other people and ensure the safety of everyone.
Some people may think that being a security guard mostly revolves around physical skills. Well, it does have a part to play, but it is not all about that. Securing the whole vicinity and keeping everyone safe is a combination of physical and soft skills. Security guards need a good command of soft skills to be able to effectively carry out their duties. They need to know the appropriate way of dealing with people and circumstances that occur in their job.
What are soft skills?
Soft skills are acquired throughout the process of interacting with different people and undergoing experiences that develop insights on how to better work well with others and manage tasks. This includes communication skills, social skills, listening skills, etc. Since soft skills have something to do with relating to other people and adapting to the environment, they are essential in various occupations.
In this article, we will be focusing on the important soft skills that every security guard should have. So without further ado, let’s start.
1. Communication Skills
Security guards don’t just stand at the entrance or exit of an establishment. Since they interact with many people each day, they should also be able to possess good communication skills. Being able to communicate well with the people around you enables you to work well with other people and build better teamwork with your colleagues.
A security guard with good communication skills will be able to give directions when you ask for help as well as properly inform people in case there is a threat or emergency in the establishment and ask them to leave the place without causing agitations. Aside from that, the security guard will be able to call back up if needed and explain the gravity of the situation.
2. Problem-Solving Skills
When emergencies and threats arise, a security guard needs to have a presence of mind during the whole situation. May it be big or small, having problem-solving skills to effectively and strategically solve the issue will be helpful for a security guard to possess. This soft skill involves being able to pay attention to details by analyzing the situation, actively listening, and observing the non-verbal cues that indicate a threat to the safety of everyone.
3. Flexibility
Unexpected situations arise from time to time, especially in public establishments. That’s why It is essential for security guards to be flexible or adaptable to the tasks and responsibilities that are given to them. This shows good disposition and readiness on their part.
4. Integrity
In ensuring the safety of everyone and the whole property, a security guard needs to be trustworthy. Integrity is a soft skill that a good security guard should always practice even when no one is looking or observing them. Think of it this way: how will you be able to entrust someone with your safety when you know they are not dependable? That’s why this skill is a must for every security guard.
5. Interpersonal Skills
Interpersonal skills involve not only good communication or social skills, but also being able to relate to others by understanding their emotional behaviors and at the same time managing your own. As much as possible, a security guard must be able to control the situation and minimize trouble in the area they are assigned to. And letting negative emotions rule over the decision-making process causes irrationality. A security guard needs to stay calm and think of the best possible solution to minimize damage.
We hope that this article has helped list down the important soft skills that every security guard should have.
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