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When you are not working, you are still working!

10/21/2013

5 Comments

 
I commented on the picture below which was posted in the facebook group, Raising Standards in Close Protection, named after the same book by the author Richard Aitch. Before I go any further let me just say that if you have not bought this book and you work in the Close Protection industry then you really should. I highly recommend it.
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So that is what a calling looks like!

So are you obsessed? I hope so because I am, I have a calling. Actually I am lucky as I have two. The first Self Protection, I have been involved in since 1978 and the second, you guessed it, Close Protection, I have been involved in since 1992. In between was a stint in the military which at the time I thought was my calling until I realised it was in the field of CP.

Although this blog post is in relation to the Close Protection industry it does also relate to any other form of employment you have chosen to be in. Musician, artist, carpenter, builder, architect and so on.

Pick your most boring subject, something you are not interested in, engineering, gardening, painting, whatever it is you just do not like and I can guarantee one thing. If it is someones passion, their calling and they are talking about it, you will listen, why? Because they make it interesting, they love everything about it, let me reiterate IT IS THEIR CALLING! Look at these people, watch them on TV and tell me they do not make what they are talking about interesting, Alan Titchmarsh (Gardener), Mark Williams (Actor) talking about engineering, Kevin McCloud (Designer) on Grand Designs or Jamie Oliver (Chef).

Could you do the same, could you talk to a bunch of people about Close Protection and have them enthralled?

So where does this fit in with the title. OK let me ask you this, as soon as your shift or rotation is finished do you switch off as soon as you are out of the door until you start work again? If you do then you are not following your calling. For the average person that is exactly what happens, hey 5PM down tools lets get to the pub, glad the day is over not another thought about the work they have done or will do tomorrow. How many times do you think the top fashion designers have been inspired when they have not been at work? building shapes, colours, tree shapes, distorted reflections, anything can inspire creativity not only when you are working but more importantly working when not at work.

I recently watched Olympus Has Fallen, Gerard Butler in the Kitchen with his wife who is trying to have a coversation with him. He on the other hand is watching the news about the North and South Korean military developments. Nothing to do with him, he is not even on the Presidents detail anymore though still part of the Secret Service and the South Korean Prime Minister is visiting the White House that day. He is taking more interest of the news because of who he is and what he does. Although it gets him in the shit with his wife he is still working while not at work, sound familiar?

Let me ask you this very important question; If you are not working while not at work, how then do you run your personal security procedures? They don't run on their own you know!

PERSEC, OPSEC and  INFOSEC are becoming punchlines all too often on social network groups and forums!

Do you have an ideas book? I do I keep it in my day-sack. Sitting on the train an idea will come to me or I will see something pertaining to CP or EP and I write it down before I forget it. Remember, working while not at work. What do you do, sit there and enjoy the ride? Multi-tasking is something we should all be able to do. 

There is an article on Fred Leland's Law Enforcement and Security Consulting website entitled - The 10% of Mindset. It relates to the 10% of all Law Enforcement professionals who constantly strive to develop themselves and their professionalism both physically and mentally. It also talks about those who are 'Retired on Duty', both we can relate to in our profession. Which one are you?
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If you are looking to come into the industry, the ceiling EPOs work at is far higher than you think, both physically and mentally. I am not degrading your current employment whatever that may be, just realise that if you make a mistake people may die, you, your colleagues or your principal.

For those already working in the industry and also for those looking to come into the industry here is a little reminder
The business we are in, protecting lives, is a serious business and not one to be taken lightly,
so for those that are still confused let me try and make it a little simpler for you.

If you are doing this to impress your mates or girls down the pub - Then find another job!
If you look at this profession as just a job - Then find another job!
If you want to mingle and be photographed with the stars - Then find another job!
If you cannot attain the ceiling required for our profession (and it is not the SIA ceiling) - Then find another Job!
If this is not your calling - Then find another job!
If you are not of the 10% mindset - Then find another Job!
If you are not at work and still not working- Then seriously find another job!

Are you following your calling?

Stay Dangerous

Rock
5 Comments
drew
10/23/2013 04:29:01 am

Hi Paul. You brought up and mentioned some good points on what CPO's should be working.to. But like you say a lot switch off to quick and some dont get in the zone at all.

Reply
Paul
10/25/2013 08:57:30 pm

Hi Drew

You do see it a lot. Not just with EPOs and not only from those others who work in potentially confrontational jobs, but from your average person on the street, the sheep who fall foul of the wolves.

I agree some don't get in the zone at all or don't know how to up their game when it is required, one speed just causes burn out.

Reply
Mike link
11/4/2013 08:15:51 pm

Paul, another good article. I have been following your blog since a mutual friend (Mr C Morgan) put me onto your work. I think a problem that we are seeing more commonly with people "switching off" within the industry is that to a lot of people this is just a job, and not a life. As you say some people just have no passion for the work and for them it's just a way to earn a quick buck! Keep up the good work!

Reply
Paul
11/5/2013 12:14:17 am

Hi Mike

Thanks for your comment. It is even worse for those not on a permanent contract where problems can be solved (one way or another), short term jobs on the circuit are where those not up to standard can get away with their inadequateeness, at least for a time.

But it may be just that one time when you are working with them that it all goes wrong.

Reply
Paul
11/5/2013 12:18:47 am

An E to far. Inadequateness

Reply



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    Hi and welcome to Rock's Blog
    Combat Focused
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    Paul 'Rock' Higgins

    Certified Master Anti - Terrorism Specialist,
    Executive Protection Operator,
    Self Protection Instructor, speaker and author of Meditations of a Modern Warrior.

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    I am available for guest blogs, magazine and newspaper articles and speaking engagements.
    I've used Anker products for a number of years now. Great close protection tool; keeping your electronic kit fully charged. 

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