Knowing how to motivate employees is an integral skill for any security manager. Lack of inspiration in employees can quickly become evident through a drop in performance; it's something a high pressure industry like security cannot afford. But fortunately a degree in psychology is not a prerequisite for becoming an effective motivator. The application of practical people principles and common sense approaches can often be effective in lighting fires under employees and guaranteeing better performance.
Judging character during the interviewing process is key to finding an employee apt to enjoy and be consistently challenged by a given job. An introverted applicant who prefers the outdoors, dislikes paperwork and is highly intelligent will not be motivated to work a boring, indoor, public job that involves mountains of paperwork. However, a person who enjoys the outdoors, a varied routine and being around other people will probably work out quite well assigned to a busy front gate post.