Game A vs. Game B: Super Mario Security Guard
What is Game A?
Game A represents the traditional, outdated approach to security, one rooted in rigid rule enforcement, reactive thinking, and a culture of authority over service. A security guard operating in Game A mode tends to wait for incidents to occur before taking action, often escalating rather than de-escalating tensions. This type of guard relies heavily on the power of their uniform and badge, using confrontation as a first resort rather than a last one.
The Game A guard sees their role narrowly: enforce the rules, remove problems, and maintain control. While these objectives are not inherently wrong, the manner in which they are pursued in Game A can create a hostile atmosphere, damage relationships with the public, and ultimately undermine the very security they are meant to provide.
Key characteristics of Game A include:
Reactive rather than proactive responses to situations
Confrontational communication style
Rigid, inflexible rule application with no situational judgment
Poor public relations and lack of rapport with staff and visitors
Focus on authority rather than outcomes
What is Game B?
Game B is the evolved, professional approach to security. It is defined by proactive thinking, emotional intelligence, and a service-oriented mindset. A guard operating in Game B does not simply respond to problems, they anticipate and prevent them. They understand that their most powerful tool is not force, but communication.
In Game B, security professionals view themselves as ambassadors of safety. They build positive relationships with the people they serve, use empathy to understand situations before acting, and apply critical thinking to make smart, context-sensitive decisions. The Game B guard knows when to be firm and when to be flexible and that distinction makes all the difference.
Key characteristics of Game B include:
Proactive situational awareness and threat prevention
De-escalation and calm, professional communication
Emotional intelligence and empathy toward the public
Strong rapport-building with staff, clients, and visitors
Outcome-focused and solution-driven decision making
Why Does It Matter?
The shift from Game A to Game B is not just a philosophical change, it has real measurable impacts on safety outcomes and workplace culture. Studies in security management consistently show that de-escalation techniques and community-oriented approaches lead to fewer incidents, reduced use of force, and greater public trust.
When security staff operate in Game B, the environments they protect become noticeably safer and more welcoming. People are more likely to report suspicious activity, cooperate with instructions, and respect security personnel when they feel treated with dignity. In contrast, a Game A culture breeds resentment, non-compliance, and conflict.
Making the Switch from Game A to Game B
Transitioning from Game A to Game B requires deliberate effort and ongoing training. Security professionals are encouraged to regularly reflect on their interactions, seek feedback, and invest in communication and conflict resolution skills. Supervisors play a crucial role by modelling Game B behaviour and rewarding guards who demonstrate it.
Some practical steps to develop a Game B mindset include actively practising active listening, studying body language and non-verbal communication, attending de-escalation workshops, and regularly reviewing and debriefing on real incidents to identify what could have been handled differently.
Conclusion
Game A and Game B are more than training buzzwords, they represent a fundamental choice about the kind of security professional you want to be. In an industry that is rapidly evolving to meet the demands of modern society, the Game B approach is not just preferable; it is essential. The best security guards are not the most authoritarian; they are the most aware, the most composed, and the most human.