Working for a security company as a watchman, gate sentry or as the front office person is for the most part a thankless task. On the job hazards include armed thugs and rude or indifferent visitors. However, as usually the first person that anyone will encounter when visiting a place of business, the majority of security staff need a crash course in soft skills and general business etiquette training. Do you ever need a sedative to calm down after engaging with one or more of these gate keepers?
Security guards literally set the tone for any visitor coming into the premises or the building or office. The ability to be warm and welcoming yet portray competency and professionalism is essential for them. I don’t necessarily need to be saluted like an army general, but certainly a smile and a friendly professional greeting is expected. “Unaenda wapi?” or “yes boss?” does not qualify under these rules of engagement. Magical words of courtesy will also go a long way in dealing with the public. Is it too much to expect a "May I please have your identification" rather than "toa ID!"
I’d also include a class in basic spoken English as part of their training. The official language of business in this country is English not Sheng or a variation of their mother tongue. Regardless of the accent, I want information that I can comprehend when that person is hopefully giving me some indispensable fact such as office floor location. And there should be no compromise on hygiene or grooming – remember they are setting the culture and tone for your business.
On another note – not to extend the wall to wall coverage of the Chilean miners rescue but I missed this fact the first time round. Apparently, on the eve of their rescue the miners requested grooming products such as hair gel, shampoo and even shoe polish. In addition to wanting to look the best for their families, they were sufficiently savvy about the image they were portraying to a world-wide audience and the importance of first impressions. What is your image when you step out of your own capsule every day into the world?
security guards are the front desk for most organizations in Kenya, including leading financial, Government and multi-national institutions. many of the guards are educated & eloquent, and should be recognized, empowered and paid extra for the customer service work hey do
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