When do we really listen? At a concert? At home, watching TV? On our ear buds when exercising? And often we’re thinking during those activities while we’re listening. In the security guard profession, listening well with focus is absolutely demanded, and with full attention.
The mentality of a good, professional, well trained security guard is to always be focused on the security job. Even while talking to a customer or staff member, the focus and situational awareness has to be there.
So, while we in our ordinary lives, while listening to something we enjoy, can afford to wander into thought or memory, our WWPro security guards can’t do that.
Listening is a critical part of the security guard’s informational awareness. In the midst of all the sounds around him or her, what stands out at any given moment as something that says “alert” or “pay attention” or “danger.” Security guards are largely in motion, making rounds, seeing anything that’s out of place, having a sixth sense about each environment or situation, but also listening intently. Sounds are heard in areas that aren’t visible, so it is an around-the-corner sensing. Listening includes being very good on the walkie-talkie to a control member of other officers. And our officers are trained to stay tuned in hearing to their fellow officers if they’re part of a team. A constant staying-in-touch is part of the professional mentality and methodology.