Sharpen Your Inner Sherlock

It is no secret, or rather it shouldn't be, that I am a massive dork who is obsessed with the skill set of Sherlock Holmes. They say admitting it is the first step towards recovery right? I came to work in the security industry through arguably the most niche and unpredictable way by default. Any success I have enjoyed has been thanks largely to this singular obsession. In the security and executive protection industry, the ability to observe and analyze your surroundings with precision is paramount. Drawing inspiration from the legendary detective, here are five ways to enhance your observation skills and elevate your professional capabilities.

1. Cultivate Mindfulness
As much as I don't like this term as a lot of the books on the topic boil down to simply 'be more mindful', which is a great idea, but how?! There is a mindset shift along these lines that is the foundation of keen observation. By being fully present in each moment is nowhere near as ethereal as it sounds, it is basically refusing to be passively scrolling or by that idea, refusing to be passive in general, you can notice subtle details that others might overlook. Practice this shift through creating drills that require you to pay close attention to your environment. This heightened awareness will enable you to detect potential threats and anomalies more effectively. An easy example is that when you leave a restaurant, describe the layout and the names for every member of staff you interacted with.

2. Develop a Systematic Approach
Sherlock Holmes was known for his methodical approach to observation. Adopt a similar strategy by creating a mental checklist of key elements to observe in any given situation. This could include assessing NVC, scanning for unusual objects, and noting environmental changes. A systematic approach ensures that no detail goes unnoticed. This is a training tactic to build on. After using these elements for so long you will be able to comfortably pick up more and more in that topic so it would be at that time that you add something else on to your systematic approach.

3. Enhance Your Memory
A sharp memory is crucial for recalling important details. Techniques such as the “memory palace” method, where you visualize storing information in specific locations within an imaginary palace, can significantly improve your memory retention. Regularly practicing memory exercises will help you remember critical information during high-pressure situations. This often gets misconstrued as only being able to serve you with memorising decks of cards or thousands of digits. They key is to develop competence with the basics (linking, journeys) and then change out the practice drills for something more applicable to the information in your world. The idea is to become comfortable with the volume of retention involved. That way this will not fail you when using it for work purposes or anything outside of training.

4. Practice Active Listening
Observation isn’t limited to what you see; it also involves what you hear. To be fair it also isn't limited to listening as well but we can save that for another day. Active listening involves fully concentrating on the speaker, understanding their message, and responding thoughtfully. By honing your listening skills, you can pick up on verbal cues and inconsistencies that may indicate potential risks or threats. Look into the work of Dr Colin Cherry as a way to test your capacity for listening, how much you can pick up and how much you can concentrate through. 

5. Engage in Continuous Learning
The world of security and executive protection is constantly evolving. Stay ahead by continuously updating your knowledge and skills. Attend workshops, read industry publications, and engage in discussions with peers. The more you learn, the better equipped you’ll be to observe and interpret the nuances of your environment.

By incorporating these techniques into your daily routine, you can sharpen your observation skills and become more adept at identifying and mitigating risks. Just as Sherlock Holmes used his powers of observation to solve complex mysteries, you too can leverage these skills to excel in the security and executive protection industry. Remember, the key to success lies in the details.

....Or You could Pick up a copy of The Monographs 2