By Keith Fowler
The Reality of a 24/7 Operation
Running a security business means the work never stops. At Lion Shield Protection, our officers are on duty around the clock, protecting shopping centers, private schools, and special events throughout Southern California. There are no “off hours” when it comes to safety. That constant responsibility teaches you a lot about leadership—especially when things don’t go as planned.
When I first started this business, I knew I wanted to provide reliable protection and professional service. What I didn’t fully realize at the time was how much leadership would be tested in a 24/7 environment. Emergencies happen at 2 a.m. just as easily as they do at 2 p.m., and when they do, the team looks to you for calm direction. Over the years, I’ve learned that great leadership isn’t about avoiding pressure—it’s about learning to perform through it.
Staying Calm When Everyone Else Feels the Heat
In security, pressure is part of the job. There are incidents to manage, clients to update, and officers to support. When things get intense, your reaction as a leader sets the tone for everyone else. Early in my career, I learned that staying calm, even in the most stressful moments, helps everyone around you make better decisions.
Whether it’s an unexpected client request or an on-site emergency, keeping a clear head allows you to think strategically instead of emotionally. That sense of composure gives your team confidence and keeps small issues from turning into big problems.
Calm doesn’t mean being detached—it means being present and focused. When an officer calls in with a concern or a client needs immediate assistance, I make it a priority to listen fully before responding. In high-pressure moments, listening is just as important as action.
Building a Team You Can Rely On
Leadership under pressure isn’t just about what you do—it’s about who stands beside you. A security company is only as strong as its team. At Lion Shield Protection, I’ve been fortunate to work with more than 150 dedicated officers who take pride in their work and look out for one another.
Hiring the right people is the first step, but building trust among the team is just as crucial. I make it a point to communicate openly, show appreciation, and be involved in daily operations. When employees know their leader values them, they’re more likely to take ownership of their roles.
We also focus on training that goes beyond procedures. I want every officer to understand not only what to do, but why it matters. When people feel connected to the bigger purpose—keeping communities and businesses safe—they perform better under pressure. They’re not just following orders; they’re fulfilling a mission.
The Importance of Adaptability
No two days in this business are ever the same. Schedules shift, clients change their needs, and unexpected situations arise. One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned as a leader is the importance of adaptability.
You can have the best systems in place, but you also have to be ready to pivot. Sometimes that means filling in for a last-minute post, sometimes it means adjusting an entire schedule overnight. Being flexible doesn’t mean losing structure, it means being realistic and ready to respond to what’s in front of you.
I’ve found that when leaders adapt quickly, teams follow suit. They see that flexibility isn’t a sign of chaos; it’s a strength. The best results often come when everyone is willing to roll up their sleeves and adjust together.
Communication is Leadership in Action
In a 24/7 business, communication is everything. Officers on the night shift should feel just as connected and supported as those working during the day. That’s why we maintain open lines of communication at every level—between supervisors, clients, and the team in the field.
I’ve made it a rule at Lion Shield Protection that everyone deserves a timely response. Whether it’s an officer reporting an incident or a client sending feedback, clear communication shows respect and professionalism. It also prevents confusion and builds confidence on both sides.
Leadership under pressure doesn’t always mean taking charge in dramatic situations. More often, it means keeping communication steady and transparent so that no one ever feels left in the dark.
Balancing Strength with Compassion
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that strong leadership doesn’t mean being tough all the time. It means knowing when to be understanding. Security work can be demanding—long hours, unpredictable situations, and constant vigilance. A good leader recognizes that people need support, not just direction.
I try to check in regularly with my officers, not only about their assignments but also about how they’re doing personally. Small gestures like listening to concerns, acknowledging hard work, or offering encouragement go a long way. When people feel seen and valued, they perform at their best even under stress.
Leadership is about balance. You have to hold people accountable, but you also have to show empathy. That combination builds loyalty and keeps morale high even in challenging times.
Learning from Every Challenge
Every obstacle in business is also an opportunity to learn. Over the years, I’ve faced equipment shortages, last-minute staffing emergencies, and unexpected client demands. Each situation taught me something new about problem-solving and teamwork.
The key is to reflect after the pressure has passed. I always ask myself and my team: What worked well? What could we do better next time? This mindset turns stressful experiences into growth opportunities.
Running a 24/7 security company isn’t easy, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. It’s taught me patience, perseverance, and perspective. Most importantly, it’s shown me that leadership isn’t defined by titles or status, but it is defined by how you respond when things get tough.
Leading with Integrity
At the end of the day, great leadership comes down to integrity. Whether you’re leading five officers or a team of 150, people need to know they can trust you. That means keeping your word, owning your mistakes, and setting the standard every day.
At Lion Shield Protection, I remind my team that we’re not just guarding properties. We’re representing a promise of safety and professionalism. That promise starts with leadership and extends to every officer in the field.
Pressure will always be part of the job, but when you lead with integrity, calm, and compassion, that pressure becomes fuel for growth. That’s the true lesson of running a 24/7 business—real leadership shines brightest when the pressure is on.