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The Softer Side of Security
 By
Ken Kasten
Principal/Consultant
KK Solutions, LLC
How many of us have been told at some time or another during our career to
"lighten up" and learn the "softer side" of security and that being known as Dr.
Doom or Mr. Ice isn't necessarily a good thing; but were then left on our own to
figure out how to find this "softer side" of security. Over my time in this
industry I've seen many good security people slow their careers because they had
no idea how to approach their responsibilities and activities with a softer
touch. So with that in mind, let me offer the following advice as a means to
finding the softer side of security.
Learning and practicing the softer side of security is good counsel and really
not that difficult. All too often those in the security profession reflect the
not so nice part of their jobs, appearing as though they are always looking for
the wrong in whatever situation they may be in; always supporting the image of
the gate keeper, enforcer or heavy, while expending the least amount of effort
to show others the good that comes from their role and what else they have to
offer; often imposing self-isolation from the rest of the workforce and only
showing their “other” self to those with similar responsibilities, this behavior
does not work well in today’s loss prevention/security world. Approachable,
genuine, sincere, caring, and well rounded, are all “softer side”
characteristics that are becoming common place in security leadership job
descriptions. So, how do you go about showing that you have “softer side”
qualities? Many already know how to do this, but choose not too; to get over the
hump, make a real effort to try some of these suggestions:
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• Smile... Don’t be reluctant to smile; smiling will make you much
more approachable, not to mention just generally feel better.
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• Politeness... Be a good scout; hold open a door, carry a box or
acknowledge a fellow employee, guest or peer. A “good morning”, a
“thank you” or just a simple dialogue will go a long way.
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• Sharing.. Share good news; bring a little sunshine into the room,
don’t always be the bearer of bad tidings. |
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• Caring... Try a little tenderness, display a little compassion;
you’ll be surprised how receptive others will be. |
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• Sensitivity... Be sensitive to the situational setting and those
involved; sometimes a gentle approach is more appropriate for the
task. |
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• Listening... Be good listener; in this oftentimes hurried and all
about me world, good listeners are valued commodities. Everybody
needs an ear to bend now and then. |
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• Networking... I know, who has time for the office birthday party
or the afterhours social gathering; YOU should. |
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• Volunteering... The next time the office is looking for volunteers
for a community project, be the first to step up or better yet help
organize a volunteer effort and to top it off do something that’s
not related to the security field; build a house, plant a tree, run
for charity or mentor a child. |
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• Task Orientated... Be a little less task orientated. Take a moment
to exchange pleasantries and try going beyond “nice weather we’re
having”. If appropriate, personalize the exchange with a topic of
common interest such as family, sports or other activities
(coaching, hobbies). |
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• Interest... Show interest in something other than security. Take
an interest in other people’s interests. Read the newspaper, be
aware of current affairs, local events, and learn what others are
interested in. Be aware and express an interest in important
happenings in other parts of the company. |
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• Gatekeeper... Step outside your gatekeeper role. There are times
when you can play a work role other than the gate keeper, try it,
you’ll be surprised with the positive outcome. |
These are just a few suggestions that should help you with the softer side of
your business role. None of these alone will win you the Company Congeniality
Award, but just maybe they will make a difference when and where it counts.
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