The Unintentionally Forgotten Inner Circle Member
In Chapter 10 of my book, Hello, Career - What You Need to Know to be Successful in Your First Job: Work Smart in an Office or Remotely, I speak to the importance of assembling a trusted inner circle or work superhero team to help you get through each day. I include examples of all the roles within the office that deserve a spot on this team and why. Unfortunately, I forgot to include one important role that not only belongs on the team, but will likely be the most powerful superhero on your team – your company’s security officers. Here’s how it dawned on me.
Ross’ corporate office has been closed since March 2020 and we’ve all been working from home. However, periodically I need to visit the office. Who is the first and last face I see when I visit? The campus security officer. Why? Because s/he is there protecting me and the company’s four walls, especially given the pandemic. S/he always brightens my day with a warm greeting and pleasant conversation as I get my temperature taken and badge in and then provides peace of mind that I can feel comfortable working in my office knowing that everyone who follows me in the door is facing the same office protocol. When I leave for the day, I always get a friendly wave and “have a nice night!” As an added bonus, a security officer noticed I hadn’t picked up my lunch (because I was on a conference call) from the outside food delivery table and he left it outside my door ensuring it would stay warm.
While the above would present reason enough to befriend your company’s security officers, here are additional reasons they belong in your inner circle:
There may be times during the day, especially in the early morning or late at night, when you don’t feel comfortable arriving or leaving the office alone. They’ll have no problem with you having them on speed dial and you’ll feel even more comfortable knowing the person accompanying you.
You may need to visit the office during off-hours and if the security officers know you, there’s a better chance they will let you in without having to go through “red tape.”
Don’t tell anyone I told you this but if you know the security officers they may let you know when fire alarm drills are going to occur giving you time to prepare for what you wear that day, especially if it’s cold outside.
So, make it a point to get to know the campus security officers. It’s likely you will meet them on your first day when you get your badge. Make small talk with them so they remember you. During the holiday season, drop off a sweet treat to their office thanking them for all they do.
To get a better understanding of the value and importance of establishing an inner circle, including learning all the other roles on the team, check out Chapter 10 of Hello, Career - What You Need to Know to be Successful in Your First Job: Work Smart in an Office or Remotely. In my next edition, I will be certain to include this unintentionally forgotten superhero.