The Art of War for Security Managers: 10 Steps to Enhancing Organizational Effectiveness

Scott Watson

Apr 2011 · Elsevier

About this ebook

The classic book The Art of War (or as it is sometimes translated, The Art of Strategy) by Sun Tzu is often used to illustrate principles that can apply to the management of business environments. The Art of War for Security Managers is the first book to apply the time-honored principles of Sun Tzu’s theories of conflict to contemporary organizational security.Corporate leaders have a responsibility to make rational choices that maximize return on investment. The author posits that while conflict is inevitable, it need not be costly. The result is an efficient framework for understanding and dealing with conflict while minimizing costly protracted battles, focusing specifically on the crucial tasks a security manager must carry out in a 21st century organization.

* Includes an appendix with job aids the security manager can use in day-to-day workplace situations* Provides readers with a framework for adapting Sun Tzu's theories of conflict within their own organizations* From an author who routinely packs the room at his conference presentations

About the author

Scott Watson is the Principal Consultant and CEO of S.A. Watson & Associates L.L.C., a risk management firm specializing in the areas of organizational security and crisis management. Mr. Watson has held a variety of risk management and corporate security positions at such firms as TD Banknorth, Liberty Mutual, Fidelity Investments, Pinkerton Security & Investigations, Boston University and First Security Services Corporation. He holds a Masters of Criminal Justice Administration from Boston University and a Masters of Education from the University of Massachusetts. He is a Certified Protection Professional, a Certified Fraud Examiner and a frequent speaker at professional conferences. Mr. Watson currently teaches Security Management at Boston University’s Center for Professional Education and has previously taught online courses for American Military University. He is a member of ASIS International, where he serves as the Vice Chairman of Crisis Management and Business Continuity Council as well as a member of the School Violence Task Force. He is also a member of The Association of Certified Fraud Examiners and the New England Disaster Recovery Information Exchange.