Daniil Davydoff

Of all the consequences of COVID-19, the so-called “Great Resignation” is one of the least expected. It is surprising because economic forecasts generally predicted varying degrees of doom, despair and fear. Instead, millions of Americans are quitting their jobs, highlighting an optimism about the future and the certainty that better employment, or better self-employment, is around the corner. With companies now playing defense, many are wondering why workers are leaving in droves.

ASIS International’s Certified Protection Professional (CPP) certification is highly beneficial for security professionals seeking leadership roles. It has its flaws but, anecdotally, I have seen it mentioned in job ads more often than any other designation. When I passed the requisite exam in early February and promised to offer my thoughts, the reaction from future test-takers was welcoming. So here they are. To paraphrase the Law & Order TV franchise, “this is my story.

In parallel with the end of the Cold War between America and the Soviet Union in the late 1980s and early 1990s, the Star Trek universe of the time offered us a cornucopia of military heroes. Jean-Luc Picard was defined by his moral certitude, Worf by his quest for honor, and Odo by his commitment to justice. But a man like Tom Paris, helmsman aboard the U.S.S. Voyager, was designed as an anti-hero from the start — a betrayer, coward, and womanizer, with an arrogant streak to boot.