Perception is (Security) Reality

Perception is reality. In the security industry, we must carefully gauge and nurture the perception of those around us to help ensure that we are meeting expectations, gaining support for enhancements and creating environments that feel as safe as they are. When stakeholders, be it employees, tenants, students, staff, patients, or shoppers, are engaged, their perception of security improves drastically.

Allied Universal recently completed a research project that gathered opinions from security professionals across several sectors. The collective voice of the respondents issued a clear directive – Don’t underestimate the power of the stakeholders. Following are some practices to ensure your security program properly includes the individuals it’s meant to protect.
 

Awareness
When stakeholders are informed, their understanding and perception of security improves drastically. Communication fosters a relationship that mutually benefits everyone involved. Sharing success stories with and explaining policies to stakeholders elevates awareness and leads to enhanced compliance with security protocols that directly influence everyone’s safety and well-being. Stakeholders can only recognize the value of their security program when they understand all of the measures that are in place to protect them.
 

Feedback
It’s critically important to listen to stakeholders speak about their own safety and security. By interacting and taking their influence into account, security leaders can receive actionable insight and experience their point of view. Continuous improvement opportunities can be identified and addressed with new security measures or the sharing of information. An effective security program focuses as much on what stakeholders believe, as on what security officers do.
 

Participation
Keep stakeholders engaged in your security program. Their participation shouldn’t just be there when something goes wrong, or when budgets become a concern. Create a comprehensive approach where every individual on the property is engaged in maintaining a safe and secure environment. An excellent approach to improving stakeholder perception is to increase training among stakeholders. With training, stakeholders are empowered to report suspicious activity and conduct themselves in a safer manner. Don’t underestimate this powerful influencer. 

About the Author 
Paul Stab is the Vice President Sales Effectiveness & Training for Allied Universal.