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How your �partnership� with ASSIST can help you help each
other
What is it, how you know if you�ve got it, how to get even more of it, and what to do with it
By Tina Peyton
Texas Consulting Group, Inc.
Industrial psychologists and organizational behavior specialists tell us that truly successful and positively-motivated organizations have a certain �something� about them that may be difficult to pinpoint from one industry to another, but that all of them share the common characteristics of a demonstrated professional attitude and commitment to excellence that�s shown by all members or employees for both themselves and their company or organization.
They also say this attitude of professionalism isn�t just about being good at one�s job. It�s more about developing the inner motivation to always strive to be better, learn more, handle day-to-day situations with more expertise and understanding, and therefore project a more competent and capable image for themselves and the organization they represent.
In our post-9/11 world, and with rising crime rates in much of the country, there has never been more need for trained security professionals able and willing to do their jobs as though their lives depend on it � because they sometimes do. And this is where your association with ASSIST can be an important part of truly living up to the word �professional�.
So, what does it take to be a professional in the growing career opportunities associated with security?
Demonstrated seriousness about your business
There�s no question about it; you only have one opportunity to make a good first impression, and often those are the most lasting.
True professionals pay attention to details as to how they are perceived as well as taking pride in the appearance they present to others. This means they care about everything from how they dress, good grooming and appropriate attire on the job to being well organized, using professionally done brochures and sales materials, always being on-time or early for appointments or meetings and planning ahead for every business situation.
As one business counselor put it, �In business, you should always think in terms of presenting yourself and your organization as though you are applying for a job. Because, quite often, you are depending on those same kinds of impressions from clients, associates and others.�
Professional associations
Joining and being an active participant in your professional association is one of the first and most important steps you can take, and the value of the benefits and information you receive will repay the nominal cost of membership many times over. ASSIST, for example, is all about professionalism and exchanging information on everything from benefits for you and your family to continuing education opportunities.
Your membership in ASSIST not only gives you access to the network of other security professionals working on your behalf, but also says to your company, clients and others that you are a serious professional as well, and committed to the same standards of excellence that are earning Texas security personnel high marks for trusted and reliable competence.
Credentials and certifications
One of the most notable characteristics of professionalism is the determination and effort to constantly improve job-related skills as well as general education. And for coursework and hands-on training, there�s no better place to start than courses offered by ASSIST and LEAPS. Both offer certification and recognized continuing education courses in all aspects of security.
Other good sources for improving job skills include courses offered by a number of law enforcement agencies, community colleges and even some equipment manufacturers.
However, as you consider courses to advance your career or address special needs by clients, do your homework by researching certification courses before you submit your application and fees. Some certification courses don�t deliver what they promise, and others may not have a reputation recognized by other industry professionals.
As you (or your team) complete coursework and certifications, don�t hesitate to update your Web site or company-individual resume so that others know you are committed to constant improvement at what you do.
Business associations
Even if you are a single operator or have only a few employees, there is high value in joining community business associations such as chambers of commerce, better business associations, Jaycees or other groups where you can be a voice in local business matters as well as network with other professionals.
In addition to offering business programs and opportunities for community civic involvement, many also offer dispute resolution services as well as proscribed standards for business fairness and integrity.
Remember that every organization to which you belong represents another opportunity for you to share what your business and the security profession is all about.
�Synergies� of professionalism
The word �synergy� is just a language contraction to convey an interesting concept when something consisting of a number of parts is actually more valuable than the sum of those parts. But it�s a perfect word to describe the growing professionalism shown by individual security officers and firms that has become one important reason why the respect for security businesses as an industry has increased markedly over the last several years.
Higher standards of conduct and operations, better training and certification courses, increased legislative involvement at all levels of government, better communication and greater public awareness of the vital role security officers play in protecting people and property have all contributed to renewed and growing respect for us and what we do well.
But it still comes down to the professionalism of a single officer or security firm with whom people interact daily and from which they form their impressions as to what we�re all about.
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