City of Orem

?“M & M” Meaningful Moments Managers hold a unique power, the ability to create moments that matter. Think about it: the workplace isn’t just about tasks and deadlines; it’s where people spend a huge chunk of their lives. A good manager knows this and looks for opportunities to elevate the ordinary. A simple “thank you” in a team meeting or celebrating a well-done project can transform a stressful job into a fulfilling experience. These moments might seem small, but they ripple outward, creating a culture of recognition and gratitude. It’s like planting seeds; the manager may only see the initial sprout, but the team feels the shade of the growing tree for years to come. The secret is intentionality. Managers who control the moments their employees experience understand that they set the tone for the team. Whether it’s how they respond to challenges or how they introduce a new initiative, their actions say, “This matters, and so do you.” But it’s not just about the big team moments; the one-on-one interactions carry just as much weight if not more. A manager who checks in personally asking how a child’s soccer game went or how an employee navigates a tough season can make someone feel seen and valued. These personal moments are what employees carry with them long after the deadlines are met. They’re not just managing projects; they’re building connections that last. And here’s the beauty of it all: the moments managers create don’t stay in the office. They ripple into the homes and lives of employees. When someone feels valued at work, they’re more likely to approach their families, friends, and communities with that same sense of value and care. The same principle applies to personal moments outside of work. When we pause to listen, to share a kind word, or to show up for someone in their time of need, we’re creating moments that matter. Whether it’s a manager quietly supporting an employee or a friend simply being there for one another, these one-on-one moments remind us that we’re not just part of a team or a company we’re part of each other’s stories. Moments matter, and the best managers and people don’t just create them. They live them, shaping not just teams but lives.

Security Meets AI In the world of physical security, AI is making waves—cameras recognize faces, systems predict threats, and alarms trigger at the right time (well, most of the time). But the real question isn’t about what AI can do; it’s about who’s in control. Is AI the tool in your hand, or is it quietly steering the ship? Like an overenthusiastic GPS, AI will take you places—but only if you tell it where to go. The danger lies in letting it lead without asking, “Wait, is this where we want to end up?” AI can crunch numbers and flag risks faster than a guard can pull up footage, but it lacks that human spark—the intuition that spots the subtle difference between an employee working overtime and someone who’s up to no good. Smart security teams use AI to enhance human expertise, not replace it. When AI kicks out an alert, it’s the trained guard who reads between the lines, adding the nuance no algorithm can provide. The trick is simple: AI brings the data, but humans drive the decision. Falling under AI’s spell is easier than it seems. If you trust AI’s outputs without understanding how they were generated, you risk letting a black box make decisions for you—and in physical security, that’s a gamble you don’t want to take. Like anything else, technology needs accountability. AI should work like a well-trained dog, not a runaway wolf. You feed it data, fine-tune the algorithms, and then keep it on a leash so it stays in line. Transparency and control are non-negotiable if you want to stay the boss. AI can transform your operations from reactive to proactive. It can turn raw data into insights and minor incidents into opportunities for prevention. But if you get too comfortable, AI won’t just help you—it’ll run you. It’s your responsibility to train your team, ask tough questions, and never stop fine-tuning the system. AI can be your greatest partner in security, but only if you lead. Because in this game, the last thing you want is to realize you’ve handed the keys to the machine.

The Thrill of the Ride Managing security operations is like racing through winding roads in a car with just enough power to keep things interesting—it’s all about precision, strategy, and staying cool under pressure. Security managers rarely have endless resources, but that’s where the fun begins. Every patrol route, every camera angle, and every guard’s position becomes part of a bigger plan, much like a driver finding the perfect line through each corner. The challenge isn’t just keeping things in control—it’s excelling within limits, turning obstacles into opportunities. It’s a ride where sharp thinking and quick reflexes make all the difference. Great leadership, like great driving, is about trusting your team and knowing when to push the limits. Just as a driver relies on instinct and skill to push a car to the edge without losing control, a security manager has to balance risk and reward. When your team is in sync—everyone understanding their role and executing it perfectly—it feels as smooth as nailing a turn at just the right speed. Success isn’t about having the biggest budget or the fanciest tools; it’s about knowing your limits and playing to your strengths. The real thrill comes in turning challenges into victories. Whether it’s solving a problem with limited tools or handling an unexpected situation without breaking a sweat, there’s a unique joy in doing the impossible. It’s like overtaking a faster car on a twisty road—nobody saw it coming, but that’s what makes it so satisfying. Security management is the same: it’s not just about staying safe, it’s about embracing the challenge, loving the ride, and knowing that every twist and turn is part of the adventure.

The Power of Showing Up When I was a homicide detective, I found myself in the middle of heartbreaking scenes where families were living their worst nightmares. For them, it was the darkest day they’d ever face, but for me, it became routine—just another case to solve, another call to respond to. I didn’t realize at the time how much I had numbed myself to the overwhelming grief those families were experiencing. But for them, those moments weren’t just another day; they were life-altering. Now, looking back, I see what I missed. I wish I could go back and do more than just be there for the job. I wish I had taken a moment to comfort them, to let them know that someone cared deeply for what they were going through. It’s easy to let the busyness of life blind us to what really matters—people. That’s a lesson that hindsight has made clear to me. And trust me, it’s a tough lesson to learn when you’re looking back with the weight of regret. If there’s one thing I’ve come to understand, it’s this: kindness is powerful. Every interaction, no matter how small or routine, can make a difference. A little compassion, a little warmth, can bring light to someone’s darkest hour. So, let’s be kind, let’s show up for others in ways that matter, because we never know when a small gesture might make all the difference in the world for someone else.

Make a Plan, then Master It Alright, let’s get real for a second. Emergencies happen, and when they do, you don’t want to be the one running in circles yelling, “What do I do?!” Here’s the deal: know your stuff before things go sideways. Where’s the fire extinguisher? Where’s the water shut-off? What’s that weird-looking panel on the wall? These are the basics every security guard should have locked in their brain. Think of it as your own personal treasure map, except the treasure is saving the day. But don’t stop there! While you’re walking around on your shift, start playing little “what if” games in your head. “What if a fire broke out right now? What’s my first move?” or “What if I had to evacuate this building in a hurry?” It’s like turning your job into a choose-your-own-adventure story, except way less dramatic (and hopefully without any dragons). The more you practice in your mind, the quicker you’ll be able to react when something really happens. Now, here’s the kicker: every building has its own Emergency Action Plan (EAP). If you don’t know it, study it! Know where people are supposed to go, what you’re supposed to do, and how to make sure everyone’s safe. Once you’ve got the EAP down, run those scenarios through your head too. That way, when the real thing happens, you won’t just be reacting—you’ll be ready to lead.

Make a Plan, then Master It Alright, let’s get real for a second. Emergencies happen, and when they do, you don’t want to be the one running in circles yelling, “What do I do?!” Here’s the deal: know your stuff before things go sideways. Where’s the fire extinguisher? Where’s the water shut-off? What’s that weird-looking panel on the wall? These are the basics every security guard should have locked in their brain. Think of it as your own personal treasure map, except the treasure is saving the day. But don’t stop there! While you’re walking around on your shift, start playing little “what if” games in your head. “What if a fire broke out right now? What’s my first move?” or “What if I had to evacuate this building in a hurry?” It’s like turning your job into a choose-your-own-adventure story, except way less dramatic (and hopefully without any dragons). The more you practice in your mind, the quicker you’ll be able to react when something really happens. Now, here’s the kicker: every building has its own Emergency Action Plan (EAP). If you don’t know it, study it! Know where people are supposed to go, what you’re supposed to do, and how to make sure everyone’s safe. Once you’ve got the EAP down, run those scenarios through your head too. That way, when the real thing happens, you won’t just be reacting—you’ll be ready to lead.