Hard skills are considered a given within the close protection industry.
Soft skills? Just as relevant.
These are all about how we work with others and manage ourselves, critical in settings requiring personal interactions.
Soft skills are transferable across multiple fields and employers value individuals who continuously develop them.
What are key soft skills that benefit every security professional?
Communication & Etiquette: Clear communication prevents misunderstandings. It includes listening and understanding non-verbal and social cues to make the client feel comfortable and at ease.
Teamwork: A crucial element not only between security professionals but also when working with external stakeholders, such as law enforcement.
Leadership: A leader will set a clear vision, support and guide their team, promote development and recognise achievements. It requires integrity, ethical decision-making and inspiring trust and confidence by embodying the organisation’s values and principles.
Conflict Resolution & Verbal Judo: Persuasive techniques to resolve conflict and de-escalate aggressive behaviour with words.
Time Management: Working smarter, not harder ensure efficient scheduling and prioritisation.
Effective Risk Management: Analytical thinking and strategic planning provide effective risk mitigation and adaptability to new threats.
Emotional Development: Emotional regulation is key in any situation under pressure. Remaining calm and judging the appropriate response in a situation is vital.
Cyber Security: Cyberattacks and data breaches can lead to ‘real-world’ threats, such as exposing travel plans or compromising a home security system. Protecting digital presence is more important now than ever.