Increasingly we are seeing organisations grappling with safety issues to their staff, customers and community, especially in those organisations that have a high level of public engagement. Safety managers are addressing this through policies and physical security measures but often overlook situational awareness and de-escalation training.

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Situational awareness and de-escalation training is a valuable and effective means of upskilling staff and building confidence and peace of mind. I always remind people that situational awareness is a life skill, just as likely to be used in your personal life as it is in the workplace. However, the need for these skills in the workplace seems to be on the rise.

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For organisations, training of this kind forms part of a complete people safety strategy, reflecting a commitment to equipping staff with practical strategies to keep themselves and the community safe.

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For de-escalation, training, not theory, is the answer. However, in the absence of training, here are four simple strategies that any person can use to enhance their de-escalation practice.

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1.  Trust you gut instinct: It is different for everyone, but it doesn’t lie! It tells you how you feel and is a better guide than your eyes.

 

2.  Avoid: Only specialised professions require you to walk into situations where you feel unsafe. Avoid these situations and seek help.

 

3.  Distance: If engaging somebody in a situation that requires de-escalation, maintain a physical distance that allows you to react if the situation worsens.

 

4.  Have an objective: Know what you are trying to achieve when you engage somebody. Are you trying to create calm, solve a problem, or protect yourself and others? Any action you take should align with your objectives.

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As with anything, practice makes perfect.