It is not a coincidence that many of our most productive business leaders focus on education and improvement — both for themselves and for their direct reports and associates. Is your idea of personal improvement on-the-job training and school-of-hard-knocks education, or have you committed to a program worthy of a professional?
Where do you fall in the education and career improvement equation? Do you currently know all you need to know to lead your company, your department and your direct reports? Are you in a position where you no longer need to study for technical certifications, attend trade shows, register for online education and take advantage specific industry knowledge and education?
The most successful security leaders I have come to know over my three-plus decades in the physical security space all have one thing in common: they understand that today’s world moves so fast that no one is smart enough or lucky enough to prosper on on-the-job alone. Good instinct, strong people skills, innate leadership characteristics and strong work ethic are all valuable assets, but they are still not enough if your objective is to prosper and make a positive difference.
Fortunately, the process of continued improvement is not nearly as difficult as you may think. Step one is to simply commit to a continued, formal self-improvement education program — a combination of classes and certifications, informal web and text study, organized networking with your peers and industry professionals. Schedule dates for seminars, read the trade journals, take advantage of programs offered by SIA, PSA Security Network, ASIS, NSCA and others who provide vetted education and valuable information that will make you more valuable to your company and the customers your company serves.
“I am too busy to improve” is a poor excuse. We are all busy and those who are “too busy” will soon have ample time on their hands as they may be unemployed or be forced into a menial position that has little impact and significance. It’s not complicated, make it happen. Make the commitment.
Bill Bozeman, CPP, is President & CEO of PSA Security Network. Request more info about PSA at www.securityinfowatch.com/10214742.
