Security Officers Self Analysis: When Will You Change?

One of the most common laments I hear from bankers who are security officers is that they "never have enough time." They come into the office early in the morning and/or stay late at night. They always have work either in the briefcase that never leaves them or riding around in their car. Even when shopping or socializing, they're checking out security features or cameras or lighting. They've developed a reputation in their families of being "workaholics" and accused by spouses of being "married to their job."

They'll tell you they'd "rather do a job myself" than give it to someone else, because "that way I know it's done right."

Read: never learned to delegate

Their responsibilities increase directly in proportion to the length of time they've been employed by the financial institution.

Read: never learned to say "No" and, as a result, are now carrying the workload of at least two people

When away from the office, they often carry a beeper so that if any emergency arises, they can be reached to make decisions

Read: never been able to trust others, and know the consequences if the wrong decision is made will fall on their head

They feel their efforts are not appreciated, even though they spend long hours off the job staying updated and certified, attending seminars, and reading industry related magazines and articles.

Read: never learned how to do "public relations" for themselves-and hate to write memos

Trying to get funds for updated and more sophisticated equipment becomes harder every year-causing great frustration, and, in some cases, increased danger to financial institution personnel.

Read: in all their learning, they never learned how to "sell" a security idea or market a security product

Do you see yourself described here? When was the last time you took two solid weeks vacation without once calling back to the office to make sure all was OK?

I know of no other area in banking that is as demanding of an individual as that of security. It's always with you, it intrudes into every part of your life-and you wouldn't have it any other way! Hey, security officer ... take a good look at the facts illustrated above. Know what? They'll never change until YOU change.

Copyright © 1997 Bankers' Hotline. Originally appeared in Bankers' Hotline, Vol. 7, No. 7, 6/97