5 Qualities of a Successful Security Guard

Many people go about their days without thinking much about the security professionals that keep them safe. Shopping centers, grocery stores, corporate buildings and restaurants employ security guards to keep their customers secure and deter criminals from targeting their businesses. The mere presence of a uniformed security guard is often enough to prevent theft, vandalism or violent crimes from occurring in our communities. 

Without the hard work, dedication and training of professional security personnel, the public would be at a much greater risk of experiencing serious threats to their safety in their day to day lives. 

If you are considering a position as a security guard, you are probably aware of the many options that the field offers qualified individuals. Dedicated security guards can be found in almost every type of retail, commercial or residential business. It is a great career that can be both lucrative and rewarding for those who possess the right qualities for success. 

Are you wondering if you have what it takes? Here are 5 of the top qualities that the most successful security guards have in common.  

5 Qualities of a Successful Security Guard 

Honesty 

Businesses hire security guards to keep their most valuable assets safe. Whether that is expensive merchandise, money, their employees or their customers, a business owner needs to feel confident that they can trust the guards on duty. 

Dishonest security guards can pose a high risk for business owners. A guard who uses his or her position to steal property from their client will cost businesses much more than just their peace of mind. Or a guard who knowingly allows unauthorized people on a property can leave the business at risk for a variety of crimes and liabilities. An honest security guard will always act with integrity while on shift and put the best interests of their client first.

Reliability 

A successful security guard is one that can be relied on to do their job, and to do it well. They will arrive on time and work hard for the duration of their shift. After all, security is only effective when the guard is present, alert and prepared for any security threat that may come their way. In any job, reliability is key. However, when it comes to security, a guard who is a no-show or arrives late could put lives in danger. 

Clear Communication 

The job of a security guard is so much more than protecting people and property. A security guard will be dealing with members of the public, some are honest citizens while others may have criminal motives. A successful security guard will be able to clearly communicate with people from all walks of life. They will be able to speak respectfully yet authoritatively to ensure that rules are followed and people stay as safe as possible. 

Further, a successful security guard will need to be able to clearly communicate to their superiors, the client and law enforcement in the aftermath of a security event. They may also be tasked with writing clear yet thorough incident reports or providing a verbal statement to the police. 

Quick Thinking

There is no telling if and when a security situation may occur. Often these situations happen when you least expect them. A successful security guard is alert, prepared and able to think quickly in the face of an emergency. The best guards can rapidly assess a situation and determine the most appropriate response to de-escalate it and keep people safe. Trained guards will have the tools they need to act confidently and handle any security threat that they may encounter.

Leadership and Teamwork 

Effective security is a team effort. Even though many security guards seemingly work independently, the reality is that they are often part of a security team. That team not only includes other security guards but the clients, law enforcement personnel and any other person that may be on site. 

The best security guards understand that they are in a leadership role. They are comfortable giving direction and making decisions when it really counts. Yet, they also understand that they are part of a security team and that they may be required to take orders from others for the highest good of all involved. 

Honesty, reliability, clear communication, quick thinking and leadership. Although these qualities can be found in some of the best and most successful security guards in the business, there are many other qualities that can make a security guard stand out from the crowd. Physical fitness, professional training, customer service and respect are just some of the other qualities that can help a guard advance in their career.