What is Emotional Intelligence?
According to the Emotional Intelligence Association, emotional intelligence “refers to our ability to be aware of and understand emotions in ourselves and others. It encompasses our abilities to perceive, manage, and use emotions for effective personal communication.” In other words, emotional intelligence is essential for individuals in any field, but especially in the security industry. Security guards are often called upon to deal with difficult customers and co-workers, and a well-developed emotional intelligence can help them stay calm and rational under pressure. It can also protect them from burnout or depression, both of which are common insecurity professions.
Here are some other benefits of emotional intelligence training for security guards:
1. Increased effectiveness in communication. A well-developed emotional intelligence allows security guards to better understand and communicate with customers and co-workers, both verbally and nonverbally. This can lead to fewer conflict situations and improved relationships overall.
2. Better stress management skills. As mentioned earlier, a strong emotional intelligence can help security guards cope better with stressors both on the job and outside of work hours. This can lead to reduced anxiety and better performance.
3. Greater resilience in the face of difficult situations. A well-developed emotional intelligence can help security guards bounce back from difficult incidents with ease, so they are less likely to become emotionally drained or worn down by them over time. This can make them more agile and adaptable when facing future challenges in the job.
There are many different emotional intelligence training programs available, and each one has its own strengths and weaknesses. Some of the more well-known programs include Sophie Kinsella’s Emotional Intelligence 2.0, The 4-Hour Work Week by Tim Ferriss, and The 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman. It is important to find a program that is tailored specifically for security guards; otherwise, the training may be irrelevant or even damaging to their career goals.
Emotional intelligence can be broken down into four categories:
- Self-awareness: Understanding one’s own emotions and how they impact individual behavior.
- Self-regulation: Controlling one’s emotions in the face of challenging situations or triggers.
- Relationship management: Creating positive relationships with others, whether at work or outside of it.
- Social skills: Being able to interact productively and effectively with others, both in formal and informal settings.
Each of these categories is essential for success in a security guard career. A well-developed emotional intelligence can help guards master all four areas, which will result in improved stress management, better relationships with co-workers and clients, superior social skills, and more resilience when dealing with difficult situations on the job or outside of it.