Your Security Workforce: Tips for Effective Management

As a security guard provider, it is important that your crew is managed effectively and efficiently so your clients receive the best service possible. Without being onsite to oversee your security crew the workforce management tool you use is very important. NextCrew can provide that service for your organization. Here are several ideas that can help you with your crew management.

The Importance of crew communication.

 

By Ildar Sagdejev via Wikimedia Commons

Even with a number of years managing a security crew contracted out to your client, it is important to update your methods over time. With the changes in technology and communication available today the process is constantly evolving. The first step to effective communication is to prescreen your crew before placing them on their first assignment. You need to understand their communications preferences and how they work best as an individual. In order to set goals for your crew to meet, they need to have access to communications technology that will enhance their workday. Check in with them frequently to understand how the assignment is going and be able to offer advice or encouragement. It is equally important that you are available to them when they have questions or concerns while working at your client site. Often, in the security industry, the hours a contractor will work versus your recruiters will be very different. If they know that their inquiries will be answered as soon as someone is back in the office, they will be more likely to be open with their communication. This communications exchange will provide a more solid foundation for your workforce management.

The importance of client communication.

There are also aspects of effective management that rely on your communication with your client. You may wish you coach them to treat the security crew like the rest of their staff to encourage a team-player mentality. If the security crewmember feels that they are treated unfairly by the client they may shut down and not provide the service that you have promised. Managing people, both crew and client, is sometimes about managing emotions and stopping problems before the relationship is irreparable. It is also important for the client to understand that you have prescreened and provided an orientation to the crewmember and the do not need to micromanage the process. If they are experiencing a problem with their security crew ask that they contact you immediately to talk through the issue, solve it if possible, or allow you to end the assignment and find a replacement. Effective client communications will manage their expectations when it comes to the service you are providing.

Brand authority.

By J. Crocker via Wikimedia Commons

Company branding goes beyond your website design and your social media strategy. Since your crew works off-site it is important that you effectively communicate your brand, values, and mission to each person before they begin an assignment. If your crew does not reflect on your overall image you may have to make efforts to replace that individual and repair any reputation damage caused at the client site. Before assigning anyone to a client provide a brand orientation. Talk with them extensively about what kind of behavior is expected of them and how it will reflect on your brand. The better they perform the more possible projects they will be considered for in the future.

Are you looking for the best tool to effectively manage and communicate with both your employees and clients? Contact the NextCrew to find out more about how our systems can help you.