When thinking of the traits of a security guard, we should look to another peacekeeper – the Samurai. During the Edo Period, the term Samurai referred to warriors and military nobility in medieval and early-modern Japan and China. These noble soldiers held high prestige and high regard. They were keepers of the peace, and they were bred to be masters of physical prowess. Their minds were honed to the sharpness of military strategists. In addition, they were mindful philosophers, incorporating Buddhism, Zen, Confucianism, and meditation into their practices. As loyal and courageous civil servants, they were pillars of trust for the upper echelons and the general public.
What Does That Have To Do With Security Guard Traits?
The art of security is not unlike the principles of a Samurai. This statement, while bold, is a guiding force when it comes to approaching our team of security professionals.
The characteristics of the Samurai transcend time. In modern society, now more than ever, your security team should possess the foundational virtues of what is known as Bushido.
The Bushido defines the principles that a Samurai lives by. As you read through, it will be easy to see how the application fits with the modern-day Security Samurai.
So, What Are The Virtues Of Bushido? Well, They Are The Same Traits As A Security Guard.
Rectitude or Justice
Rectitude is morally correct behavior or thinking. It is righteousness personified. This is the strongest virtue of Bushido. It is the bedrock of which all other virtues will spring. It has been described as the bones – the frame of Samurai. In its simplest terms, it is the Power of Resolution. It is deciding a certain code of conduct and acting on it.
Courage
Springing from Rectitude is Courage. It is the act of doing what is right in any situation. Strength of character and heart is required for one to be more than simply just brave. Acting on bravery for the sake of doing the right thing is courageous.
Benevolence or Mercy
Benevolence and Mercy are traits rooted in kindness. Security professionals practice diplomatic kindness for all of humankind, regardless of the circumstances. When someone is given extraordinary power (as many security professionals wield), having to ability to demonstrate kindness and mercy can be considered the highest attribute of the human soul.
Politeness
Politeness is grounded in the regard of the feelings of others. It is an exchange of respect. A good security professional is a hospitality professional first. They care about humankind and respect people first and foremost.
Honesty and Sincerity
When our warriors say that they will perform an action, it is as good as done. Their word is truthful and sincere. A true warrior does not fear the truth but instead lives by it. The lives of those they protect most certainly depend on it. Not so different is the mindset of samurai-minded security professionals.
Honor
A true warrior has a passion for personal dignity and worth. They are driven by a sense of duty and the privileges of their profession. This is not unlike true security professionals. An honorable security team will value their duties and approach each service with the respect it deserves.
Loyalty
Samurai possesses a fierce loyalty – to their station, to their duties, to the lords and roles they serve. Unwavering allegiance resulted in commitments that transcend titles. This loyalty also extends to themselves. A self-respecting samurai commits not only to their duties but also to their dignity. Much like a samurai, a security team fulfills their role, not from a place of obligation, but instead from a place of respect.
Character and Self Control
The teachings of Bushido state that samurai must hold themselves to a moral standard that is absolute. The lines are very clear – what is right, is right. What is wrong, is wrong. There is no grey area when it comes to these fundamentals; no room for any argument. There are clear, moral, right and wrong decisions. And a true security professional knows the difference, without question.
At the same time, a samurai also chooses compassion over confrontation. Drawing on the virtue of Benevolence and Self Control, a samurai is a person of action…if the situation calls for it. Assessment and level-headedness are important when confronted with a volatile situation. A strong champion will draw from their deep well of training and mindfulness in order to make the right decisions in any situation.
Modern-day security guard traits are very similar to that of the Samurai. They are the modern equivalent of Samurai warriors. They are protectors, peacekeepers, and examples to live by. Level-headed, grounded in mindfulness, proactively prepared, and reactively resilient, these individuals contribute to the positivity and safety of any situation. Having them by your side and in your corner will contribute to peace of mind and situation.
To hear more about our mindful approach to the art of security, contact us now. Or read about another warrior that is similar to a security guard – The Jedi.