6 Attributes for Protective Agents by Vali Majd

Nowadays, a protective agent can mean many things and have many different roles: there are Executive Protection Officers, Asset Protection Agents, Patrol Officers, Bodyguards, Security Guards, Security Managers and the list goes on. Even if the job descriptions of these titles diverge, all these security specialists need similar qualities to be good at their job. Here are 6 attributes that protective agents should possess:

1 Patience

Even if a protective professional has many dynamic roles, it is crucial that the individual be patient and ready for downtime and boredom. There are high chances that shifts will be long and would require the protective professional to be in a static position without the possibility of breaks. It is safe to say that in these situations, patience is key.

2 Be in good physical condition

Being a security specialist means that you are responsible for the safety of someone’s life: you have to be aware, vigilant and always pay attention, even to the smallest details. This fact can bring a lot of stress to some individuals. To stay sharp during the long shifts, it is important to be fit- mentally, physically and emotionally. Finding the time to train can be hard, but it is a necessity, especially in this field of work. 

3 Have good observation skills

To perceive incoming threats and pick up on small clues, the protective specialist needs to have solid observation skills.  These skills will directly impact the way a protective agent will react to a situation. Acting fast and staying professional in dangerous circumstances is based on the judgement and the decision making processes of the individual; and it all starts with observation skills. 

4 Good customer service

At the end of the day, a security specialist offers a service to a client that needs their help and expertise- as such, security professionals are also in the service industry.

To do well, it is important that protective agents look out for their clients and make them their top priority by remaining pro active. The agent should add value beyond that of being a protector. Solid customer service will also earn the superior agent a solid reputation, which is a must in this industry.

5 Good communication

It is a known fact that in almost every single field of work, communication is key. However, in the security industry, lives and assets are at risk. Good communication with potential threats, clients, coworkers, witnesses and other individuals will increase a protective agent’s professionalism and will help with overall operations. Protective agents need to be able to communicate efficiently, confidently, with details in verbal, gestual and written forms. It is also crucial that security professionals have good listening skills.

6 Good literacy 

The professionalism of a security agent will significantly fluctuate depending on their writing and reading skills since they have to regularly deal with reports, memos, emails, and other written materials. It is also important that a protective agent masters their respective written language for the simple fact that a punctuation mistake can completely change the meaning of a sentence and, therefore, put a client’s protection at risk. 

Protective work is all about details- from preparation to delivery. Being meticulous and always striving for impeccability are traits and attributes that are foundational to the skills an agent may bring to the table.

Successful specialists also tend to focus on personal development- always training, honing and acquiring new skills.

People’s lives depend on an individual’s attitude, skills and professionalism- needless to say that agents need to be at their best, all the time.