As per definition by Google, the term "Situational Awareness" or situation awareness (SA) is the perception of environmental elements and events with respect to time or space, the comprehension of their meaning, and the projection of their status after some variable has changed, such as time, or some other variable, such as a predetermined event.
Hard to understand? Isn't it?
Well let me explain it in simple words.
The decision or action taken at that right moment will impact goals and objectives in immediate and in the near future for an individual.
A Person who has adapted to a sense of situation awareness generally has a high degree of knowledge with respect to inputs and outputs coming out of his/her environment.
Failing in recognition of inputs from ones environment or say inadequate situation awareness has been identified as one of the primary factors in accidents attributed to human error.
We fail to understand that even as an individual, situation awareness is extremely important for all working professionals where a poor flow of information can lead to decisions resulting in serious consequences such as piloting an airplane, acting at a commanding officer, while treating an injured patient or even in an event of a natural disastrous such as fire or earthquake.
Now let me share 5 Simple Steps that can help you develop a better situational awareness as i have understood in years of training;
Here’s how to do it in 05 steps:
Self Awareness
Use the Power of "Pause"
Position of optimal observation
Limit your physiological overload
Be aware of Time
1. Self Awareness: Be self aware. And by this i mean not only physically but mentally too. Always be self aware of your pros and cons.
Before jumping in, take a deep breath and ask yourself couple of questions. Are you capable of handling the current situation? how well you are prepared mentally to face the challenge if it spirals out of hand? Do you have a backup plan in case or what else next challenge this current situation may lead to.
Please remember, It is never a bad thing to back out or evade a situation if you feel it can land you in a compromising situation.
In other words, don't try to be a hero even if you are trained for such situations because situations change without a hint.
Evading a problematic situation does not make you a coward but put you in a category of a smart person. Always do remember, on streets, hero's often die and smart people live.
2. Use the Power of "Pause": Whenever faced with a perceived threat or a challenging situation, never ever rush into making a decision in a hurry just because you think you can handle the situation or it seems manageable.
Just pause for few minutes, assess the situation, look for possible threat or threats, do the math on the outcome of your decision and plan for an alternate or backup if previous one fails.
3. Position of optimal observation: In order to achieve the most effective situational awareness, you need to be able to observe as much as of your surroundings as possible.
If you have positioned yourself in obstructed spot, you will slow down or even restrict the flow of information coming in. As we are not blessed with extra pair of eyes in the back of our heads, its difficult to observe the things going behind us.
In such situations, i would recommend finding a place where one can view all or most of the exit points and also allow you to put your back in a covered position such as back to the wall.
This may help you to make a quick getaway and eliminates the possibility of threat that may arise behind you.
4. Limit your physiological overload:
By this i am referring to a mental state of a person who has suddenly found himself or herself in a challenging or compromising situation and is witnessing a burst of panic attack and extreme anxiety.
It is not unusual but has to be dealt as soon as possible specially where every decision is counted in minutes and seconds.
Quick tips - Pause and take a deep breath, think positive, shake up your head and hands to relax your muscles, decide on your fight or flight response.
5. Be aware of Time: Time is another important factor when mastering Situational Awareness.
The pace of your daily schedule is constantly changed by the actions of individuals, tasks and outside elements. Nothing is time bounded. Whenever an unplanned event begins to arise, please be sure to make all necessary changes to routine schedule which will help you evade or survive unnecessary complication or situation.
There are other numerous other factors which can help you be more situational aware but the list above have the basic ingredients needed to keep things under control.
Stay positive, Stay Sharp.
Jai Hind.
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