Workplace Violence And The Power of Backward Thinking!

Let me begin by expressing my sincerest condolences to the victims and families of the recent violence in Texas and Florida.

Workplace violence is an ever-present threat in today's world. And, regardless of what we may think about our own likelihood of being attacked, none of us knows who's out there - planning God-knows-what - and when and where they will act out their intentions!

Living in denial is not the answer. Make no mistake about it. Each and every one of us - and those closest to us that we love - can all become the victim of violence. And, as I said, violence in the workplace is one of the greatest threats to the average adult in today's world!

Case in point are the two most recent shooting sprees that occurred at Ft. Hood, Texas and in Orlando, Florida. One committed by an officer of the United States Army - a professional and a psychiatrist no less! And the other, by an ex-employee who had been fired for poor performance - 2 years ago!

As I was welcoming students and parents to martial arts class on Friday, there was a lot of discussion about the 2 incidents. We also discussed my most recent bookings to speak for several organizations - including a security group in southern New Jersey.

During one conversation about my work as a corporate workplace violence consultant and self defense trainer and the Orlando attack, one of the parents who hadn't heard about it said, "Well I guess you were too late for them, huh?" To which my immediate reply was...

..."absolutely not..."

"THEY were too late for me!"

It's amazing how we can often gravitate towards a problem from an outside-to-in type of thinking. What I mean by that is that we can expect that someone or something else should have been there to rescue us from our dilemma. "If only this or that would have happened, we would have been okay."

When, the truth of the matter is that the world demands that we act and prepare from an inside-to-out manner. That means that we, and we alone, must foresee possible problems - especially when the warning signs are all around us - and make sure that we have the ability, capability, and willingness to handle these things should they arise.

"But," I can hear you saying, "how can I know that 'that' thing was going to happen to me?"

And the answer is...

You can't.

But, based on the fact that this type of thing happens to people every day - you CAN do everything in your power to insure that it doesn't happen to YOU!

This is not strange logic. It's the same logic we apply to our lives every day.

We don't want to have to walk to work, be limited in our travels, or spend more money on public transportation, etc. So - we get our own car.

We don't want to be poor, live in a shack or on the street, or live off of welfare. So - we get the best paying job or start our own business that will give us the money we need to live the kind of life we want.

We don't want to lose our house, car, or end up with horrifying medical bills should we fall victim to an accident or become ill. So - we maintain the insurance we need to take care of these things should something happen.

So, no - there is no difference between things things and what we do to protect ourselves from the "possibility" of them happening, and learning the skills necessary to protect ourselves should we find ourselves in danger from whatever cause - including an act of workplace violence!

You don't "expect" to have your car stolen or to be involved in an accident. But, it might happen.

You don't expect for your house to burn to the ground or for someone to break in and relieve you of your valuable possessions. But, you know it's a possibility.

I could go on and on but you get the point.

You don't need more of the logic that creates more victims. You need to take action.

And, you don't need to wait until you get through this or that problem, project, or whatever you keep using as the reason that "this isn't a good time."

There will never be a "best time." But I'll tell you what there will be.

And that is...

...the moment that you're being attacked by a killer bent on murdering you!

THAT will be the "worst-time" to think about the self defense and workplace violence survival training that...

...you DON'T have!

Oh, and before I forget, what kind of consultant and trainer would I be if I didn't offer you a solution to this critical problem? This one's on me, compliments of WCI Consulting!

Get your copy of my hard-hitting report, "Attack-Proof Your facility!" It's available free to subscribers of my corporate workplace violence training newsletter.

Here's the link: www.wcinternational.com/SubscribeNewsletter.html

You can also get your free copy of my safety DVD, "Danger Prevention Tactics," here. It contains strictly non-physical strategies and tactics for avoiding, escaping from, and surviving potential violence - including violence in the workplace! Just pay a small fee to help me get it to your door. Get your copy of Danger Prevention Tactics at: www.warrior-concepts-online.com


Until next time,



Jeffrey M. Miller, SPS
Warrior Concepts Int', Inc.
WCI Consulting
362 Market Street
Sunbury, Pa. 17801
USA

Ph# (570) 988-2228
email: warriorc@warrior-concepts-online.com

Workplace Violence Article Archive

Workplace Violence - Staying Focused on What's Important For Self Defense

In the realm of workplace violence and policy development, there is a problem that is both preventing companies and their employees from being safe, causing policy and procedures to miss the mark, and resulting in damage, financial loss, and even the loss of life.

What I mean is that, managers and administrators focus most of their time, either in denial about the problem of workplace violence or the possibility of it occurring in their business, or creating more policies related to prevention and reporting. Meanwhile, they are creating or, more to the point, "allowing" a gap to exist within their overall workplace violence and crisis management plan that leaves themselves, their employees, and the company, as a whole, completely unprepared for actual physical violence.

If you are to be able to escape from or survive an actual act of violence, you must first accept that violence exists AND can touch you. Living in denial or under the delusion that you are somehow invisible or impervious to danger - that you are the one exception in the whole human race that can't or won't be targeted by another irrational human being or other natural disaster will only leave you paralyzed in fear when something happens. This first phase of an overall 8-phase strategic formula for safety and self-protection that I teach my clients is called General Awareness.

In this phase, we consider not only the fact that danger exists, but what forms it could take and the types of attackers you could encounter. This information allows you to seek out exactly the types of self defense training, tactics, and techniques that would work to de-escalate, escape from or defend against an attack if and when it does come at you. Remember, violence is random. It can happen in any business, and at any time. And when it does, you are either prepared for it, or not.

But, I digress. The information that we gather in the "General Awareness" phase of our plan is absolutely useless in the moment of an attack. Because, in the moment when pure, unadulterated and uncivilized brutality is being thrown at you, the only thing that matters is quick, decisive, and pre-planned action. This is true in emergency situations where medical professionals are trying to save lives. It's true when a company has a crisis where massive amounts of money are being lost and the company's future is at stake. And, it's true when you are face-to-face with a violent aggressor trying to beat, break or kill you on the job!

This type of thinking - the "why is this happening?" and "why would this person do such a thing?" mentality, instead of taking action is not what's important during an attack. It reminds me of an old story about a warrior who was shot with an arrow. Before he would let anyone take the arrow out of him, he wanted to know the name and family of the archer who shot him, the type and materials the arrow was made of, the bird that the feathers came from, what poison it was tipped with, etc., before they could answer all of his questions - he died of his wounds.

Too much overthinking and not enough action based on knowledge and experience will do nothing to help you, and anyone that you're responsible for to escape from or survive a real workplace violence attack. And, let's also not forget that no amount of whining, blaming, or punishment for the attacker will take away the pain, loss, or fact that you just weren't prepared when you needed to be. That's why there are 8-phases to an effective plan or formula for developing the section missing from most workplace violence plans - the piece that deals with the operative word in your plan - violence!

If you don't have the knowledge and experience to put this critical, life-saving element into your existing plan and procedures (don't worry, most managers and administrators don't) then your first step is to find someone who does. And remember, you're not limited to choosing between gung-ho karate masters or ex-military commando types, nor the other extreme of the passive consultant with no experience at dealing with violence.

To be safe, you and your employees do not have to have a training program that will turn you into martial arts black belts. You also don't have to train for years to be proficient. There are programs and trainers out there who can give you the content you need, and within the context of your business needs. You can get the self defense training to be able to protect yourself during a workplace violence attack - training that is both easy to learn and effective, as-well-as being liability conscious and allows your managers and employees to convey professionalism and concern throughout the incident.

Do you want to learn more about the way I do it? I have just completed a brand new special report for surviving workplace violence attacks entitled, "Attack-Proof Your Facility"

Download it free here: Workplace Violence

What if you could add life-saving training that would allow you and your employees to easily and effectively de-escalate, escape from, or survive a workplace violence attack without the concern for liability issues, collateral damage, or financial loss to your business? How? By following this simple, proven system for workplace violence self defense success: http://www.wcinternational.com

Jeffrey Miller teaches individuals, organizations, and business owners the critical components necessary to not die or fall victim in a violent situation. Jeff says "If you have a serious desire to learn what you must know to be a survivor, I can teach you how to master the skills necessary to successfully defend yourself against any attacker, guaranteed" Mr. Miller also provides keynotes, seminars, workshops, teleseminars, and execu-camps(TM), and is an international speaker.

What Could You, Would You, Should You Do To Survive A Catastrophic Workplace Violence Situation?

There you are, minding your own business - doing your work, and then all you hear is the sound of screaming, crashing, and gunfire! At least you think it's gun fire. After all, you've only ever heard it in the movies before this very moment.

Question: What could you, should you, would you do, if this were happening to you right now?

Thank God it's not, right? I mean, after all, this is just a hypothetical question.

Right?

But, what if it wasn't?

What if, out of the blue... you know... when you least expect it...

...you find yourself inside hell and need to survive?

What then?

Here's another question: Can YOU, right now... do ANYTHING at all?


Do you have a plan of action?

A plan that you can follow as soon as something happens? Or, will you have to try to figure things out through all of the noise, screaming, and maybe even the sight of some of your friends falling dead and wounded around you?

Do you have the skills necessary for evading your attackers, avoiding or otherwise protecting yourself from incoming gunfire, a flailing knife blade, club or other weapon? Or, will you shrink and cower in fear, hoping that your pleas for mercy will be heeded by a crazy lunatic who only plans to kill himself when he's finished with everyone else?

I know how gruesome this sounds but, this is my job. My job is to be very clear about - to be willing to see, understand, and respond to the very things that most people don't want to even think about.

If you're like most managers and employees in the business world, your company has a workplace violence plan that is a shell - a "standardized" policy - which includes a statement of "zero-tolerance," a "banned-weapons" list, and a set of reporting procedures and punitive policies. Your company might even have gone so far as to have included training sessions on topics like interpersonal-communications, reporting abusive, harassing, or threatening actions, etc. Unfortunately, you might even work for a company who doesn't even have that much.

My job, and YOURS, is to make sure that you can survive when that policy fails. When, in the reality of the moment, your company's workplace violence policy is seen for what it really is:

A lot of ink on a stack of paper.

But, unless you've taken matters into your own hands already. Unless you're a black belt martial artist, former police or military professional, or been training in self-defense for a while, you're still not prepared to deal with the operative word in workplace violence. And that word is:

"VIOLENCE!"

The very random nature of violence means that you never know WHEN, HOW, or WHY violence will strike. Even highly paid, highly trained experts can't tell you that. And, if an assailant really wants to unleash hell where you happen to be, no amount of security, deterrence, or written policy is going to stop the act from occurring.

And, while the prevention and deterrence training taught by 98% of the workplace violence consultants out there is necessary and a good starting point. The only think that will allow you to actually survive a catastrophic workplace violence assault on your facility - on YOU... is a plan and the necessary training in the skills that work.

Once you have that training, you'll know what to say when someone asks you, "what would you, should you, or could you do?"

I know that the first thing to get cut during these stressful times is your company's training budget. I also know that the first thing to go up during these scary times is the level of anger, stress, and hostility. As we've seen just in the past few months, the amount of violence, and the number of catastrophic workplace violence attacks can't be ignored. They've also shown that no business, no facility, and no job is immune - regardless of where you are in the world.

If you'd like more information about getting the training you need to surviving an explosive incident in your business, call our international office in the US at (570) 988-2228.

Also, don't forget to download your free report, "Attack-Proof Your Facility", which is available on the main website at www.wcinternational.com

Teachers and Workplace Violence: Dealing With School-Age Psychopaths & Socio-Paths

by Jeffrey M. Miller, CEO
Warrior Concepts International, Inc.

Before you dismiss this post as having nothing to do with you because you're not a teacher, school administrator, or support employee, I suggest that you take the few minutes to read it and see where I'm coming from.

There have been several books, as well as countless reports that have come out of the research accumulated about the tragedies that have occurred at Columbine and several other schools. And, what these reports have concluded is that, what you and I were told about what caused the shootings to occur was, well, flat-out wrong.

If you missed the recent news story that appeared in USA Today, and ended up on many online news services, like Yahoo News, here's the link:

Columbine Myths

The information provided by these sources will go a long way in helping school officials, medical and psychological professionals, and members of law enforcement to understand why these things happen. And, that's a good thing.

However, there are several notable points that I keyed in on while reading through this material. As you know, my focus is on surviving these threats. I am all for prevention and deterrence because they provide for the least amount of damage, and wear-and-tear. But, let's take a look at two key points that should never be forgotten.

The first is that, the perpetrators of these acts were NOT normal people who "just snapped." What I mean is that, the attacks did not come out of the blue.

That's good news for the psychologists and advocates of prevention because it means that we can identify certain traits and characteristics of those prone to this kind of behavior. The problem is that, the assailants had a history of psychological disorders of the worst kind. They were geniuses as manipulating everyone's perceptions of them.

One of the boy's parents is even quoted as saying that they, "thought they had things under control."

So, while it is true that there are things that we can use to identify potential assailants, these people are also very good at convincing us that they're not a threat. All the while they are building their bombs, buying their ammunition, and planning their attacks.

In fact, that reminds me of something one of my teachers said to me once. He said, "somewhere, someone is training to hurt you. And, if you're not training - and you meet him - you will LOSE."

That's why I'm constantly advocated actual survival training, whether in the form of attack avoidance, assault evasion, self-defense, or escape tactics. Prevention is like having laws for everyone to follow. Deterrence is the presence of police on patrol to remind everyone of the consequences should they forget about the law. But, survival is what happens when you personally, and successfully defend yourself against an attack from someone with no regard for the law and there are no police around to stop them.

My clients recognize the fact that violence happens in an instant and long before the police have a chance to get there. They know that self-defense is not a choice, it's a responsibility. And, they have chosen to be personally responsible for their own safety, rather than abdicating that responsibility to others or the government - those who won't be there when the chaos is happening.

The second thing that caught my attention in the article was this: the point was made that, had the boys not acted out and perpetrated their attack at Columbine High School, that they wold have done it years later, once they were out of school and in a regular job. Then, it would have been a workplace violence incident.

The problem that I have with this is that...

..it was ALREADY a workplace violence incident.

Differentiating between "school violence," violent patients, and violence in a business is like splitting hairs over types of traffic accidents based on the type of vehicle or the type of road it occurred on. The truth is that, the incident occurs in a controlled environment, against victims and targets who are a part of that place. The school is the workplace for the teachers, professors, administrators, and other support personnel, but it is also the place where students do the "work" of learning. If both people must be there for six to eight hours a day, and it can be assumed that they will be there at a given time, then we are talking about the same type of incident. The same holds true for hospitals, churches, or any other organized, structured, activity or environment.

The point of all this is that, you can plan, research, and do everything in your power to try to prevent or deter these incidents, but they will still occur. And, when they do, I can assure you of one very important thing. And that thing is this:

"I don't care why it's happening." I also don't care:

"Who the assailant is or why they're doing what they are."

And, you shouldn't either.

Because, in the moment that a violent attack is taking place, there is only one thing that matters, and that is survival. Period.

If you would like to discuss how to make sure that your facility is as safe as possible, I invite you to call me at my international office in the US at (570) 988-2228. If yo haven't already done so, I highly suggest that you get my corporate report called, "Attack-Proof Your Facility." It will give you the critical information you need to prevent and survive a workplace violence attack.


Peace Happiness, & Safety,


Jeffrey M. Miller, SPS
(570) 988-2228

The Number One Problem Managers Face In Hiring A Workplace Violence Consultant To Teach Employees How To Survive An Actual Workplace Violence Attack

by Jeffrey M. Miller, SPS

In today's increasingly violent world, workplace violence has come to the forefront for human resources managers, as-well-as risk management and crisis management directors. More and more companies are realizing that their plans for dealing with violence in the workplace are missing the necessary training to help employees avoid, escape from, or survive an actual workplace violence attack. This article not only sheds light on the number one problem that these concerned managers and executives face in their attempt to provide this critical and life-saving training, but also the best way to guarantee you get what you need.

Current statistics paint a grim picture of the state of today's workplaces. While many people believe that workplace violence is a uniquely "American-thing," the fact is that violence in the workplace knows no cultural, ethnic, or national boundaries. I've personally spoken with executives, managers, administrators, and business owners from all over the world and have found that workplace violence is an international problem.

While there are still many myths circulating about workplace violence, their is a problem faced by those directors, managers, and administrators who are looking for solid, dependable, and workable training solutions for their employees. Regardless of whether they "Google-it," ask for referrals, or conduct other research, the problem only seems to increase with every contact, call, or click of a mouse.

What is this problem?

How difficult could it be for corporate managers and leaders - people who have access to literally a world of knowledge - to find the kind of training that will protect property, save lives, and reduce, rather than increase, liability issues during a violent, physical attack in their business?

What could be their biggest problem? What could be the primary factor which prevents them from taking action, and thereby allowing the clock to tick down to the increased possibility of an incident occurring by, or to, one or more of their employees?

If you happen to be one of these leaders, you already know what I'm going to say. If you're not, or you haven't given the problem of workplace violence much thought in your business, perhaps this will give you something to think about when you decide to make this area of risk and crisis management and liability-control a priority for you and the people that you're responsible for.

So, what is this problem?

The problem faced by most managers who are actually looking for self-defense training that they can add to their employee training package is this:

Finding a qualified, professional trainer who has the real-world experience in both handling real-world dangers, "and" the sensitivities of the business world with regards to liability and legal responsibility.

The typical question, aside from, "who's qualified," that's being asked by concerned human resources and other managers responsible for this type of training is:

With all of the web sites, all of the companies, and all of the consultants who say they specialize in workplace violence prevention and solutions, "Who Do You Trust?"

They know that hiring a trainer or consultant who specializes in physical self-defense programs is not the same as hiring say, a sales trainer. They know that if they hire any other trainer or consultant, and down the road they find that the information offered doesn't meet expectations or doesn't work at all, that they can simply hire another one.

But, what happens if you hire a workplace violence defensive tactics consultant to train your employees or produce your training program and then, you find out that the material was ineffective? When will you learn about your mistake in judgment?

You'll find out the only time you can - during an actual attack situation - after it's too late to make changes.

So, how do you find the right expert or company to meet your needs? You do what you always do: you look for experience.

But, the experience you're looking for isn't in how many companies they've worked for, how big their consultancy is, or even if they're a karate black belt of whatever degree. No. The experience you're looking for is the same experience that should be sought, even when hiring the sales trainer, and that is in how successful this person has been using "their own" information.

If you want to make sure that you and your people are learning from the best choice, thereby giving you the best chance for survival, then you want to hire a consultant who has actual, real-world experience in dealing with, and surviving, attacks from the same types of threats that you are exposed to. Period.

Regardless of research, college degrees, corporate work experience, or even martial arts training, your best choice for surviving a workplace violence attack, is hiring a consultant who understands both the threat and the solution.

If you're a business owner, executive, manager, or facility or department administrator looking for solid, proven, and reliable information for preventing and surviving workplace violence, get the Workplace Violence Awareness Guide and stop taking risks with your life and the lives of those you're responsible for!

If you're serious about making sure your company is as safe as possible against the effects of workplace violence, you are invited to call WCI Consulting's international office in the US at (570) 988-2228 to schedule an initial telephone assessment.

Jeffrey M. Miller is a former federal police officer, undercover investigator, private detective, and bodyguard. For the past 23 years, he has been teaching individuals, groups, organizations, and law enforcement and security personnel the critical, proven, and time-tested lessons for surviving a dangerous, real-world attack. Jeff is the founder of Warrior Concepts International, Inc., and the author of the safety DVD: Danger Prevention Tactics: Protecting Yourself Like a Pro" For more information and to take action before your company becomes a statistic, go now to: http://www.wcinternational.com

WCI Consulting News Release:Workplace Violence Expert Gets Thumbs-Up From DC Agency

Here's the latest news from WCI Consulting. We've come to the attention of Washington!

---

Sunbury, Pa -- April. 6th, 2009 -- Jeffrey M. Miller, founder and CEO of Warrior Concepts International, Inc in Sunbury was recently highlighted by the Public Entity Risk Institute, or P.E.R.I., as a recommended resource on workplace violence training. Miller said that he was contacted recently by Mary Stewart, PERI's director of research and development to get his approval for adding slides about his company to a presentation that she was preparing. Stewart told Miller that she was delivering a presentation to the Pennsylvania State Association of Borough and Township Managers (PSAB) and wanted to be able to refer Miller's agency as a preferred resource.

P.E.R.I consults with government agencies, schools, and small businesses on different elements of risk management. However, according to Ms. Stewart, the agency's role is typically one of an advisory capacity. PERI researches and locates experts in particular fields that meet or exceed their standards and motivate client groups to use these experts to get the training and resources that the group has identified as problem areas. She said that Miller's company, WCI Consulting, a division of Warrior Concepts International, Inc., provided a service and training that was sorely missing in the field. Where most consultants are focusing on prevention, reporting, and helping clients to understand "why" it happens, Miller focuses primarily on teaching a company's employees and management how to survive an actual violent attack.

As a part of her presentation to the State Association, which was held in Hershey, Pennsylvania on March 24th, Stewart focused on the increased problems of violence in the workplace and in schools. During her research, she found Miller's web site, wcinternational.com, focused exclusively on workplace violence incident prevention and survival, and chose him because of his unique approach. According to both PERI and Miller, there is a tremendous need for employee training that involves not only being able to avoid and escape from a violent situation, but also in the neglected areas of attack evasion and self-defense.

"In spite of the increased occurrences of workplace and school violence over the past decade, including the dramatic increase in the number of incidents as we've entered these troubled economic times," says Miller, over 90% of companies, schools, and healthcare facilities still are without a workplace violence plan as part of their risk and crisis management systems." He also says that, even those who do have a plan, only have passive systems in place such as "zero tolerance" policies, banned weapons lists, and administrative procedures like reporting and disciplinary action. "Most policies," adds Miller, "are missing the procedures, policies, and employee training that would make the plan complete." These plans do little or nothing to prepare employees, managers, or others within the facility to handle the operative word the plan is supposed to address - "violence."

Miller points out that, the incidents that we've become aware of, everyone's worst nightmares, are perpetrated by people who just don't care. He says, "they don't care about your "zero-tolerance," or whether they're allowed to have the weapon." "And," he says, "in light of the fact that this person is probably going to end their own life before the situation is resolved, they certainly don't care about what you'll do to them afterwards."

For more information about PERI, visit their web site at http://www.riskinstitute.org. For additional information about training programs, creating a complete workplace violence plan designed to make your facility virtually attack-proof, or upcoming presentations for managers, business owners and administrators, contact Jeffrey Miller, c/o Warrior Concepts International, Inc.. He may be reached by calling (570) 988-2228, or you may use the contact form at http://www.wcinternational.com

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Remember, if I can be of any assistance in helping you to make your company attack-proof against the threat of a violent workplace violence attack, don't hesitate to call me at my international office in the US at (570) 988-2228, or email me at warriorc@warrior-concepts-online.com

Get your free copy of my safety DVD, "Danger Prevention Tactics: Protecting Yourself Like a Pro!" by going to www.wcinternational.com

Violence in the Workplace:The Number One Myth About Workplace Violence in the Business World Today

By Jeffrey M. Miller, SPS
Workplace Violence Consultant and Trainer
Founder & Director
Warrior Concepts Int'l, Inc
WCI Consulting Div.

Every day, businesses in every sector, in every city and town, and in every industry are being blinded by a myth so devastating that, when the myth is shattered, the wake-up-call is more than many can bear. I'm talking about the realm of workplace violence, but the myth isn't that violence in the workplace exists. No. This article sheds light on the life-threatening myth that, if not dealt with, can leave a business, it's assets, and it's people literally beaten, broken, or dead.

In light of the tragedies taking place in record number and increasing in both occurrences and severity over the past decade, 99% of businesses still do not have a workplace violence action plan as part of their risk management, crisis management, or employee training systems. And, unfortunately, only a small percentage of those who do have a plan, do not have a complete workplace violence training system for their employees as a part of it.

But, in this article I'm not talking about what "is" true about how most companies deal with workplace violence. I'm not even going to talk about what you need in order to prevent, defend against, or survive an incident of violence in the workplace. And the reason I'm not going to talk about these things is simply this: These things do not matter as long as those responsible for establishing, creating, and implementing these systems and programs are blinded or deceived by the myth that is at the root of the problem - the myth that, when it's finally destroyed, most often leaves businesses, property, and lives destroyed along with it.

What is this myth?

It's the same myth or false idea that most people buy into that prevents them from providing better security, safety, and self-defense measures for themselves and their loved-ones every day. It's the same myth that practically every victim has in common with every other, regardless of how they were attacked, tricked, manipulated, deceived, or hurt.

What is it?

What is the number one myth in the business world that puts every single business and those who work or visit there at risk for potentially losing their lives in a workplace violence tragedy? First, let me tell you what it isn't.

While the following are certainly common myths and misinformation being perpetuated about violence in the workplace - and not just in the US, but in every country around the world - none of these is the myth believed or acted upon universally by most business owners, managers, or administrators. If you guessed that...

• workplace violence doesn't occur that often
  
  
• it's a "man thing" so women don't have to worry about it
  
  
• security guards, alarms, and other systems will stop violence in the workplace
  
  
• attackers "just snap" so there's nothing you can do
  
  
• it only happens in the United States
  
  
• teaching employees how to protect and defend themselves will cause more violence
  
  
• zero-tolerance statements, banned weapons lists, and threats of disciplinary action will stop attackers, or that...
  
  
• ..certain occupations, industries, and businesses are immune...

...sorry but, you'd be wrong.

It's not that these beliefs aren't among the causes of businesses, schools, and medical facilities going unprotected and unprepared. It's just that none of them is at the top of the list.

No, regardless of whether or not your business has a workplace violence plan and training system, I would be willing to bet my children's' college fund that the people responsible for this area of your business are in some way affected by the myth that I'm talking about. And, once you know what it is, you'll be able to see many of the flaws or omissions that I do when I review them.

So, what IS the number one myth regarding violence in the workplace?

It's simply this:

"It won't happen here."

As I said, even if you do have one, most plans or policies stop at the creation and implementation stages. Everyone knows there's a plan so they feel safe. As safe as someone who's been threatened or beaten and obtains a PFA, or "protection from abuse" order, from the court.

The protection is an illusion. It amounts to nothing more than a person in authority issuing an "order" that is supposed to stop someone from hurting someone else because...

...they were told to.

As for the document itself? It can do absolutely nothing to stop a fist, knife, gun, or explosive device in the hands of an enraged attacker, who may have a death-wish themselves, from hurting or killing the intended victim or victims. And a workplace violence policy loaded with zero tolerance statements, banned weapons lists, reporting procedures, disciplinary policies, or even rules for employee conduct and interaction, is no different.

Regardless of whether someone takes karate or self-defense classes or not, just as whether or not your business has a workplace violence plan or not, does not mean that the actions you take every day is consistent with the knowledge, belief, and recognition that you are at risk and that an incident could occur at any time.

I don't just believe this to be true. I know it to be true.

Even if you have a plan or policy to supposedly protect you and your people from a violent attacker, I know that either that plan is missing the necessary physical training to keep you alive and allow you to survive a serious threat or, your employee training schedule has little to no time for actually teaching your people what to do, or refreshing their memories so that they can respond appropriately and reduce the amount of damage that could occur.

Remember, your policies and procedures are merely words on paper or electronic documents until you actually take action and put them to use. Don't be blind-sided like the victims of the recent attacks who, up until the moment they heard gunfire or died from it, believed the most lethal myth of all: that it would never happen to them!

If you're a business owner, executive, manager, or facility or department administrator looking for solid, proven, and reliable information for preventing and surviving workplace violence, get the Workplace Violence Awareness Guide and stop taking risks with your life and the lives of those you're responsible for!

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If you're serious about making sure your company is as safe as possible against the effects of workplace violence, you are invited to call WCI Consulting's international office in the US at (570) 988-2228 to schedule an initial telephone assessment.

Jeffrey M. Miller is a former federal police officer, undercover investigator, private detective, and bodyguard. For the past 23 years, he has been teaching individuals, groups, organizations, and law enforcement and security personnel the critical, proven, and time-tested lessons for surviving a dangerous, real-world attack. Jeff is the founder of Warrior Concepts International, Inc., and the author of the safety DVD: Danger Prevention Tactics: Protecting Yourself Like a Pro" For more information and to take action before your company becomes a statistic, go now to: http://www.wcinternational.com

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Get a free copy* of my safety DVD: "Danger Prevention Tactics: Protecting Yourself Like a Pro!" *Just pay shipping and handling so I can get it to your door. After you review your trial copy, you can order a copy for each and every employee at up to 90% off the regular price. Go to wcinternational.com to get your company's free trial copy.

Workplace Violence: Tough Times Means Increased Trouble For Companies Like Yours

By Jeffrey M. Miller

Experts have long agreed, and research has proven that violence, including violence in the workplace, increases dramatically during troubling times. The focus of this article is to recommend specific action that managers can take right now to make sure that their company and staff do not fall victim to the effects and financial impact of workplace violence.

It's no secret that human beings respond to stress in many ways. For some, escape and withdrawal are the norm, for others - an emotional breakdown which inhibits normal functioning and has the person either incapable of operating or has them running around in a frantic state. However, there is another group. This group responds to stress by lashing out at those elements that they see as being responsible for, or contributing to the state they are in.

Generally speaking, there are certain characteristics, traits, and signs that help to identify these personality types. Workplace violence and crisis management plans, as-well-as hiring procedures employed by human resources managers should have provisions for identifying, eliminating, and reducing this threat.

However, it is also true that many people have never encountered enough pressure to cause them o show the signs that professionals suggest you look for in protecting your company. An example of this exists within the healthcare industry. We understand that departments within a care facility - departments such as psychiatric services and the emergency room - lend themselves to unbalanced and aggression-prone individuals. We may not recognize though, that most of the assaults on medical professionals come, not from violence-prone individuals but, from patients, visitors, or family members responding to the stress of pain, grief, or even the chemical interactions of medications.

Regardless of the reason for the propensity towards violence, managers and administrators at all levels must understand and be prepared to handle the increases in violence in their workplaces that result during troubled economic times like these. Not doing so is not only irresponsible and negligent, but it's also dangerous. It's puts you, your employees, and your business itself at risk.

Action Steps To Take Right Now

Action Step #1 - Awareness

Understand clearly that violence can happen in any workplace, at any time. And it does.

You must recognize that "it's better to have the skills and training for handling violence and never need them, than to need them and not have them."

Action Step #2 - Identify and deal with incidents or threats of violence.

Even side comments that may seem on the surface to be nothing, can grow into something. Even if you don't take immediate, interventional action, observation over time in order to identify trends with the particular employee will allow you to respond out of a sense of concern rather than increased paranoia.

Action Step #3 - Hire a workplace violence consultant who can help you do more than plan.

Not all consultants are the same. When it comes to surviving a dangerous attack, you need more than an expert who has done his or her research, you need someone with real-world experience. Far too many managers and administrators trust their company's well-being to consultants and so-called exerts who have lots of ideas, but no time in the field doing what they propose. And when I comes to surviving a self-defense situation from someone who wants to beat, break, or kill you, the last thing you need is unproven theory.

Action Step #4 - Provide emergency response training, facility-wide.

There is no correlation between acts of violence and occupation, especially when it comes to tough times like these. However, there is a correlation between violence and the ability to control and deal with it.

What I mean is, the greater the likelihood that an attack can be neutralized, the less likely that one will be initiated. And, while many managers, administrators, and business owners believe that training will make their workplace more dangerous, the opposite is actually true.

Training can be as simple as teaching employees what to look for and how to avoid an attack, evade and attempted assault, and effectively escape from a dangerous environment, all the way to actual physically defending against weapon attacks, dealing with acts of terrorism while traveling, and more.

Leaders Lead With Strategic Vision and Purpose

There is enough stress, confusion, and feelings of overwhelm that people must deal with on a day-to-day basis. Add to this the increased pressure from tough economic times, and the uncertainty that some people will certainly experience due to rising prices, the possibility of job loss, and the inability to provide for one's self and family, and you have the potential for normal, average, peace-loving individuals to do things that even they never considered possible.

If your company does not have the necessary policies, procedures, and training in place for dealing with and neutralizing the threat of workplace violence already, you are already behind the times. I say this because the time to be prepared for is already upon us. But, it's not too late, if you take action now.

If you do have a workplace violence section within your crisis management and liability-control; systems and procedures, now is the time to make sure that it's not missing the crucial elements that will actual save people's lives during an actual incident. And, I'm not talking about the disciplinary and reporting sections.

Either way, take the position as the true leader who understands what must be done. Don't sit back and wait or hope for someone else to do it. The very fact that you're reading this article says a lot about what's important to you and what you're concerned about within the scope of your duties.

Remember that the part of your company's workplace violence and crisis management plan that will save you and your company from the personal, property, and public-image damage, as-well-as the financial loss that results from an incident, should be focused on managing the chaos that is at the heart of a violent event. No amount of logic, threat of punishment or disciplinary action will deter a person who has hit the point where they simply "don't care."

A true leader takes action. And the action required is to make sure that you and your facility are protected against the threat of workplace violence. Take action before an attacker does.

Managers, administrators, and business owners serious about making sure you're company is as safe as possible from the effects of workplace violence are invited to call WCI Consulting's international office in the US at (570) 988-2228 for a free initial telephone assessment.

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Jeffrey M. Miller is a former federal police officer, undercover investigator, private detective, and bodyguard. He has taught individuals, groups, organizations, and law enforcement and security personnel the critical, proven, and time-tested lessons for surviving a dangerous, real-world attack. Jeff is the founder of Warrior Concepts International, Inc., and the co-author of the upcoming book: "Workplace Violence In The Mental Health And General Healthcare System" For more information, visit: http://www.wcinternational.com

Workplace Violence In The Health Sector: An Administrator's Greatest Concern

By Jeffrey M. Miller


Of all the myths, false beliefs, and misinformation that's bandied around about workplace violence in the health sector and violence in the workplace in general, there is one that is causing more harm than good. I've found that, by and large, the greatest concern of administrators and managers is not that there is violence in their facility, but in handling those situations that cannot be prevented.

Over the past few years, the medical and healthcare sector has awakened to the fact that it has a serious problem with workplace violence. And, while it is true that some of these incidents do involve attacks from within the organization, in general the healthcare industry has one of the lowest rates of employee-initiated attacks in the form of physical violence.

However, statistics paint a very alarming picture when they show that the average nurse is assaulted on average about three times a year. In fact, in non-fatal workplace violence assaults, over two-thirds of all women attacked on the job, work in the healthcare or social services industries.

As a result, and rightly so, more and more facilities are instituting not only workplace violence prevention policies and plans, but also creating committees and boards to oversee the training and execution of these critical business elements. Unfortunately, these plans and policies have the same gaping hole as do most other plans across other industries. And this gap is present in spite of the fact that, right along with "zero tolerance" statements, banned weapons lists, and reporting policy suggestions, OSHA and other international safety organizations recommend that every company and facility have the missing element needed to fill this void.

What is this missing piece? Good question. In fact, it's the piece that will actually protect the target of aggression "during" an attack!

While every plan will have prevention elements, and the necessary procedures for reporting incidents and punishing offenders, almost all are missing the actual defensive tactics that will save a manager or coworker from being beaten, broken, or killed in a workplace violence attack. The most common reason for this lack of attention? Administrators are concerned that if employees know how to defend themselves, that they are more likely to lash out or cause excessive damage should something occur.

When in fact...the opposite is actually true.

Ask around your facility and identify those employees who have already, of their own accord, learned or are currently studying some form of self-defense or martial art. How many of these people exhibit the typical warning signs or characteristics of a potential threat?

In fact, people who feel that they can handle themselves in a dangerous situation are typically more calm under pressure, less likely to take offense or react to negative peer pressure, and will definitely cause less collateral damage than someone who panics and doesn't know what to do.

Administrator's should rethink their fears and concerns when it comes to providing workplace violence training in the areas of self-defense, attack evasion, and assault avoidance - all of which are suggested by OSHA as elements of a "complete" workplace violence plan. Don't take my word for it, either. You have access to all the scientific proof you need in your psychiatric and sociology department professionals.

If you want to make sure that your facility and employees are as safe as possible against the threat of workplace violence, I invite you to contact me through my international office in the US at (570) 988-2228 for your free initial assessment.

Jeffrey M. Miller is a former police officer, undercover investigator, private detective, and bodyguard, He is the founder of Warrior Concepts International, Inc., and a co-author of the upcoming book: "Workplace Violence In The Mental Health And General Healthcare System" For more information, visit WCI Consulting's workplace violence information site.

9 Most Common Myths About Workplace Violence That Put Your Company At Risk

by Jeffrey M. Miller

While we can't do much about what people believe, in general, about the world around them, we can take personal responsibility for what we believe ourselves - especially when our beliefs center around our own personal safety. This article explores the most common myths about workplace violence and how these unfounded beliefs actually serve to perpetuate and aggravate the problem of violence in the workplace.

Myth #1: Workplace violence incidents are rare.

Unfortunately, we can find ourselves living in a bubble of complacency. And, unless we're shaken out of our sleepwalking state by a terrifying news story, we tend to not notice less horrific things around us.

While it is true that the number of murders occurring from a workplace violence attack have lowered over the past few years, we shouldn't be limiting our focus to just homicide. In fact, according to OSHA, there are over 1 million reported incidents of assault each year, just in the United States alone. And, since it's estimated that only about half of all incidents are ever reported, that the total is closer to 2 million. And, this doesn't include the approximately 1,000 homicides and 51,000 sexual assaults!

Myth #2: It will never happen here.

I call this the "Ostrich Syndrome." You know, the belief that, "if I bury my head in the proverbial sand, I can make danger disappear." The truth is that workplace violence can happen in any business, at anytime, and anywhere. And, it does. In fact, I've consulted with executives, business owners, and employees from, not only the US, but also Canada, Germany, England, France, Japan, and Thailand. And...the story is the same: Today's workplaces are the most violent environments in which you can find yourself.

Myth #3: Postal employees have more to worry about than I do.

Unfortunately, due to a few incidents which occurred decades ago, the post office and it's employees have garnered a much undeserved reputation for violence. Even the phrase, "going postal," is still popular after nearly four decades of it's creation. The reality is that only about 3% of all incidents occur within all government agencies - combined!

In fact, post office employees, as with any government workers, are probably some of the "least" likely to encounter violence in the workplace. While occupations like nursing and other healthcare, teaching, and psychiatric counselors have some of the highest incidents.

Myth #4: Workplace violence is a guy thing and women shouldn't worry about it.

Murder is the number one cause of death for women killed on the job. And, as I said before, this is paled by the 13,000 rapes, 51,000 sexual assaults, and about 35% of the 600,000 simple assaults that occur in American workplaces every year. In other countries, like India, the Middle East, and the East, the percentages are even higher.

Men may perpetrate more of the attacks involving the use of guns, but women share the field almost equally when it comes to being the attacker and the victim. In addition, over 65% of all non-fatal workplace assaults occur in nursing homes, hospitals, residential care facilities, and other social service environments - places where women make up the vast majority of the work force.

Myth #5: Security guards and metal detectors will prevent workplace violence.

As a former police officer, I learned very quickly that security measures can do little to stop a determined perpetrator of a crime. It doesn't matter if we're talking about a burglar, a rapist, murderer, or even a terrorist - the newest threat to workplace safety.

In fact security guards and detection devices can do little more than cause an attacker to think more creatively. And, even if they do prevent the outsider from entering your company, they can do little to stop current or former employees, friends, family members and visitors that would have both knowledge of your facility, and a reason to be there in the first place.

Myth #6: The only cost we'll have to worry about is attorney fees.

Over the years, I've had the opportunity to speak to my share of human resources managers, administrators, and executives about the need for a workplace violence prevention plan and crisis response training program in their facility. In that time, one of the most disturbing comments that I've ever heard was, "that's what our attorney's are for."

Not only can your attorney's, or the police for that matter, "not" take away the damage, injuries, death, and destruction that can occur, but their fees will be the least of your problems. The true cost of workplace violence incidents are estimated to be between 55 and 2 million US dollars every year. Costs associated with your company's recovery in the post-event aftermath include not only attorney's fees, but also lost work time, the effects of negative press and public image, property repairs, increased insurance premiums, and fines or judgments entered in favor of any plaintiffs suing you for liability. To give you an idea about just one of these areas, OSHA reports that American companies pay for over 1,700,000 sick days annually due to lost time resulting directly from violence in the workplace.

In many cases, the financial strain resulting from just one incident has put a company out of business for good.

Myth #7: He just "snapped." We can't prevent it because there are no warning signs.

Reports show that in 80% of all incidents of workplace violence, the assailant gave warning signs that went unheeded. In all of the programs that I teach, regardless of whether we're talking about basic self-defense, street survival for law enforcement professionals, or workplace violence prevention and defensive tactics, "awareness" heads the list and is the easiest and most successful means for surviving a workplace violence attack.

The reality is that Managers and employees alike can learn to anticipate, assess, and even manage the risk from internal causes by identifying, monitoring, and addressing employees who exhibit high-risk behaviors and characteristics before they can escalate into actual violence.

While not all situations can be prevented, and this is where a good, solid, self-defense and attack avoidance program comes in, early awareness and action can save property, lives, money, guilt and the embarrassment which can arise out of knowing that action "could" and "should" have been taken to prevent or minimize it.

Myth #8: We have insurance to cover the cost of damages.

Most workers and managers, as well as business owners wrongly believe that they are covered completely by whatever insurance coverage is in place to protect the company. When, in fact, supervisors, managers, and others in an authority or leadership position can be held personally responsible and sued in civil court for their actions or failure to act, and the conduct of others over which they had authority.

And, while most companies carry some sort of liability coverage, you may find that your insurance policy may have clauses that exclude damages from certain types of actions. Like hospitals, universities, and other open, "porous" entities, your company can be left holding the proverbial "bag" in the case of injuries, damages, or harm that comes to visitors, guests, and family members caught in the cross-fire of an event but who are not actually employees of your company.

Myth #9: We have a workplace violence prevention policy so we're safe.

In light of all the evidence, most companies still do not have workplace violence plans, policies, or training programs. I have found that those who do, are still missing critical elements from these plans and leaving themselves open to the same or greater liability issues that their plans were supposed to eliminate in the first place.

If you'd like to make sure you're company is as safe as possible from the effects of workplace violence, I recommend that you call me at my international office in the US at (570) 988-2228 for your free initial assessment.

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Jeffrey M. Miller is a former federal police officer, undercover investigator, private detective, and bodyguard. He is the founder of Warrior Concepts International, Inc., and the co-author of the upcoming book: "Workplace Violence In The Mental Health And General Healthcare System" For more information, visit: wcinternational.com