Motivating Your Security Team: How to Build Guards Who Go the Extra Mile

Upgrade SGS
Jul 9
3 min read

A motivated security guard is more than just someone who “shows up” — they’re alert, dependable, proactive, and take pride in keeping people safe.

But let’s be honest — security work isn’t easy. It’s often repetitive, high-pressure, and thankless. Long shifts, night hours, and dealing with the public can wear down even the most disciplined professionals.

So how do you keep your security team engaged, focused, and performing at their best?

At Upgrade Security Guard Solutions, we believe motivation starts with leadership — not just rules and routines. Whether you're a property manager, business owner, or a security supervisor, here are key ways to bring out the best in your guards:

1. Set Clear Expectations — And Show the Big Picture

Motivation dies when guards don’t know why their job matters.

Make it clear:

What success looks like on the site
How their role contributes to safety, service, and reputation
Why being alert, polite, and professional actually makes a difference

When guards understand the bigger mission, they stop “clocking in” and start showing up with purpose.

2. Recognize the Good Work

Security can be a “silent” job — the best days are often the ones where nothing happens. But don’t let consistency go unnoticed.

A simple thank you, a team-wide shoutout, or even a quick note from management saying “you handled that situation perfectly” can boost morale more than you think.

Recognition doesn’t need to be fancy. It just needs to be real, timely, and sincere.

3. Create a Sense of Ownership

If guards feel like they’re just a “warm body in a uniform,” they’ll act like it. But when you give them:

Clear responsibility over specific areas
Input into procedures or routines
Feedback loops to report issues or ideas

…they take more pride in their work. Empowerment creates buy-in — and buy-in creates accountability.

4. Invest in Training & Growth

Motivation rises when guards feel like they’re improving.

Offer brief refreshers or mini-training sessions
Encourage certifications or skill-building (like customer service, first aid, or conflict resolution)
Bring in a guest speaker or do a quick workshop on site safety trends

Even small investments show your team that you see their potential — and you’re willing to grow with them.

5. Support Them Beyond the Uniform

At the end of the day, guards are human. They face stress, fatigue, and sometimes even fear on the job.

Leaders who ask, “How are things going?” or take time to listen — not just issue orders — build stronger teams.

Check in regularly
Be available during tough situations
Advocate for better conditions when needed

Support builds trust — and trust drives motivation, especially in tough environments.

6. Celebrate the “Quiet Wins”

No incident to report? That’s not “nothing” — that’s a job well done.

Security is often about what didn’t happen thanks to vigilance, consistency, and preparation. Celebrate:

Zero incident days or months
Great customer reviews involving your guards
Moments when a guard went above and beyond (even in small ways)

These “quiet wins” deserve as much recognition as emergency responses.

Upgrade’s Take: Motivated Guards = Better Protection

At Upgrade Security Guard Solutions, we don’t just focus on placing licensed guards — we focus on helping our clients build motivated teams who care about what they do.

We believe when security guards are:

✅ Valued✅ Empowered✅ Recognized

…they show up with sharper focus, stronger presence, and a deeper commitment to keeping your people and property safe.

Need Help Building or Managing Your Guard Team?

Let’s talk strategy. Whether you need new guard services or want help improving an existing setup, we’ll help you create a security environment where people feel safe and guards feel motivated.

📞 416-464-1656📧 ryan@upgradeyourguards.ca🌐 upgradeyourguards.ca