Scoring for ‘Does the Job Fit’ Quiz

Look at your responses and read the section that corresponds to the letter you chose most often. We don’t claim there’s any scientific validity here, but this exercise may illuminate some of the joys and frustrations that come with a particular style of CSO position.

A) The Power Player

has a sterling reputation earned at high-profile security positions. Has the finesse to make his case in front of a packed convention room or a small boardroom.

Job strengths: Running a global security operation offers the widest range of security challenges.

Nightmare alert: A difficult position for someone who enjoys getting his hands dirty with day-to-day security issues.

B) The Team Builder

is a motivator, master salesman and proven consensus builder.

Job strengths: A great role for someone who enjoys collaboration with other disciplines and enjoys helping others succeed.

Nightmare alert: You’re only as good as the last project you were involved in.

C) The Scrapper

is a workhorse with deep knowledge in the IT or physical security field; often the choice for a company whose security program is immature and in need of a serious upgrade.

Job strengths: When successful, an executive can enjoy the rewards of building something from the ground up.

Nightmare alert: It’ll be a constant uphill battle to get security funded and recognized as a worthy investment. Wins will probably be evenly matched by losses.

D) The Figurehead

has some experience with security leadership or with an ancillary field like legal or audit.

Job strengths: Could be an opportunity to build security experience for someone who has higher ambitions.

Nightmare alert: Having all the responsibility with no authority can be a recipe for disaster.