For those who know Tyson Aiken, co-Founder of The Vanir Group, you will appreciate that I expect a great conversation every time I have him on the phone. It is never a normal conversation. It will always be infused and informed by the latest ideas from literature to experiences to current events as well as a deep mindfulness and heart for others.
So, it was natural for me to ask the question I did (“What have you learned?”) after I heard he had transitioned from a senior security position with a Fortune 500 firm to his own “intelligent consulting” company. Let’s ‘listen’ in!
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What a wonderful challenge! I've thought about the question "What have I learned in security?" every single day since we chatted. It's been incredible thinking about all of the places I've been and the people I've met and worked with.
Directing security operations, and leading teams of security professionals, is like driving a car. Here are a few of the things I've learned through the years on how to drive well:
Know yourself. Know your dimensions, capacities, unique qualities, and above all, your limits. Going past your limits is a recipe for disaster.
Learn, practice, and keep practicing the basics. The more you practice, the better you get. Mastering the ordinary allows you to consider the extraordinary. Keeping your basic security skills alive allows you to both teach, and have patience, for those just beginning to learn.
Know your vehicle. Know its dimensions, capacities, unique qualities, and above all, its limits. Going past the limits is a recipe for disaster.
Keep your eyes as far down the road as possible. Use your relevant experience, all of your senses (including your gut), and your imagination, to identify obstacles. Get ready to avoid the obstacles you see, and stay flexible to adjust for those you don't. Security isn't just about getting ready for the next threat, it's understanding that there will always be a next threat.
Listen to the voices of any passengers in the vehicle. They can see things you can't. You let them in the car, respect their voices.
Inherent in every car ride is a sense of freedom and exploration, whether you're driving across town, or cross country. The better your skills, the more enjoyable and safer the ride.