De-escalation is a conflict resolution technique frequently used in the workplace or at events to prevent disagreements from spiraling out of control. Knowing the correct combination of ideas, techniques, and procedures to de-escalate a situation can prevent fatalities, lessen injuries, elevate security and even rebuild or restore trust.
Nevertheless, finding an ideal combination for de-escalation is easier said than done. The vital component here is that leaders take appropriate actions to train every concerned person, including shareholders, staff, faculty, and administrators. In addition to this, it is recommended to hire security guards who are trained and follow the protocols for de-escalation.
With that being said, let’s look at the 3 smart ways you can implement a de-escalation strategy.
- Understand The Intensity Of The Situation
Staying cool, listening, and empathizing, according to professionals, is the first step in preventing violence. A bad attitude is the fastest way to turn a stressful situation into a violent one. Concentrate on lowering the situation’s emotional, behavioral, and mental intensity. The less forceful, controlling, and combative a leader’s attitude is, the more control they actually have.
Several basic but effective strategies can be used to help a disturbed individual regain control. For example, here are three non-threatening non-verbal strategies:
- Becoming vigilant and keeping a safe distance,
- Maintaining eye contact,
- Employing a calm, well-balanced, and non-threatening posture.
- Hire Security Officials
Hiring the correct security officers and workers is another cornerstone of a conflict resolution program. They may assist in creating a positive environment based on a culture of safety, respect, trust, and social and emotional support. All of these principles are essential for not just preventing violence but also facilitating de-escalation.
You can look for armed security services, which have established protocols for de-escalation as well as defensive techniques. They will ensure that everything stays under control and handle the emergency seamlessly. All in all, they can help in analyzing and demobilizing the threat.
- Make Use Of Technology
Technology, such as sound intelligence, can also be used by the organization or businesses to help detect conflicts, particularly verbal conflicts. Moreover, sound intelligence has helped prevent crime and reduce assault in the healthcare industry, with the hospital, in particular, benefiting from it.
When the analytics program discovers sound patterns connected with duress, rage, or panic, the system notifies personnel via a visual alert or an alarm. When combined with video monitoring, security officers have complete situational awareness, allowing them to respond swiftly and effectively to prevent an incident from becoming more serious.
Tips For Hiring Right Security Officials:
Asking the following questions can help leaders select the right security officials:
- What kind of conflict resolution experience do you have?
- What security precautions would you take to reduce risk?
- What would you do if a guest refused to observe safety guidelines?
- What would you do in a heated circumstance to de-escalate it?
- How do you know when it’s time to contact the authorities?
- What kind of certificates or training do you have?
To Sum It All Up
These are some ways leaders can use to implement de-escalation strategies. Remember that the higher level of security and training you’ll provide to the personnel associated, the better the conflict resolution technique will be.