What makes a security guard proficient? What skills and traits are necessary for truly succeeding in this role? It’s easy to assume competency when viewing a fully uniformed and armed guard standing at a post, but this commanding image does not ensure a full range of required capabilities. There is certainly more involved than the minimum government standards required for licensure.

INTERPERSONAL RELATIONS
In many ways, the role of a protection officer is similar to that of a concierge. An agent must be able to communicate effectively with all manner of clients and integrate their efforts with a client’s staff and other associated professionals. A subtle skill that is extremely helpful is the ability to establish connections and develop relationships that enable them to execute their objectives; this could be securing a choice table in a crowded restaurant with no reservations, gaining direct access to a tarmac, arranging for parking directly in front of an entrance, and other similar logistics & coordination.

Interpersonal skills involve an adept use of verbal and non-verbal communication, a general understanding of human and social psychology, and a healthy dose of patience, charm, and good manners. Mature attitudes and sensible behavior are not so easily taught in a classroom, and are certainly not conferred by a single certification, but these character traits are essential for security and protection agents to be of the highest caliber.