subject: The Characteristics of Effective Security Guards: Attentiveness [print this page] The Characteristics of Effective Security Guards: Attentiveness
One of the most effective qualities a security guard can possess is attentiveness. Attentiveness describes the ability to pay attention to people and events in detail. This is an important characteristic among security guards because the security guards job depends on his or her ability to carefully watch people and observe a person's actions to determine if a person or a group of people may be acting suspiciously or engaging in illegal activities.
Security guards work in various fields and offices from prisons to malls and hospitals. Some security guards also work only at special events like concerts, firework shows and parades. While some security guards work directly with the public, others work behind-the-screens watching camera displays and reporting suspicious behavior to guards that respond to the areas and persons where security is violated or compromised. Regardless of where the security guard works, his or her attentiveness makes a difference in keeping all employees and customers safe.
To get hired, a potential security guard must exhibit attentive characteristics in an interview. Potential employees will look at the applicant's reactions during the interview. Attentiveness in the interview ensures the employer that the applicant posses attentive characteristics. Additionally, the security guard learns more attentiveness with work experience, learning to observe how people act and respond to events and conversation.
The attentiveness of a security guard is on display after the guard gets the job, too. An attentive security guard speaks with customers, guests and other employees of the business when both minor and major problems occur in the business or area in which the guard works. An attentive security guard works actively to prevent problems from occurring and notices and stops many adverse events and scenarios from escalating into large problems. While an un-attentive security guard often waits on the sidelines until it is necessary that he or she step in, an attentive security guard immediately steps in to stop unwanted occurrences and ask violating persons to leave the area or place of business. Attentive security guards may step in or call for responders when they notice couples or teenagers in verbal or physical disputes, notices suspicious behavior in customers or see children or elderly in need of help.
