Focus on Leadership…Don't be Deceived by the Stars on Your Collar!
Our agencies are led by some of the finest and most ethical persons in our society. Unfortunately, a very large and troubling percentage of police chiefs and sheriffs are woefully lacking in the leadership skills required of their positions and, worse yet fail, to recognize this absolute reality!
Several years ago, the leadership of the IACP opined that the number one internal issue facing American policing was that of ensuring ethical behavior. Without minimizing the critical nature of ethics, I must respectfully disagree. The issue of ethics is a critical component of an even bigger issue, the overall leadership skills of law enforcement executives throughout the nation.
As someone who had made literally hundreds of law enforcement-related presentations throughout the nation, and also a person who has visited virtually hundreds of law enforcement agencies, I have developed two perspectives related to the issue of command leadership. First, by and large, our agencies are led by some of the finest and most ethical persons in our society. Secondly, however, that a very large and troubling percentage of these wonderful people are woefully lacking in the leadership skills required of their positions, and fail to recognize their areas of weakness!
Two experiences serve as examples of situations that occur all too frequently. In the first example, the mayor of a well-known and well-recognized troubled agency asked for a “soup to nuts” blue print and strategic plan as to how to improve the agency, but after reviewing the extensive document that was provided, agreed with the chief that the only portion that needed to be addressed was strengthening the supervisor skills at the sergeant and lieutenant levels! In the second example, which I frequently encounter, an agency spent a great deal of time and money to host a command leadership seminar, but the chief and his top staff failed to attend as they mistakenly believed they were already strong in those skills!
The Need for Leadership Training
There is most often a critical learning curve for each position held as persons move up the leadership chain in the law enforcement profession. We typically struggle as sergeants before developing the skills that enable us to move to the next level, and once again do some struggling at just about every additional position we attain, because of the number and magnitude of the challenges we face at the various ranks. While they might insist otherwise, far too many top executives act as if attaining the top position is the culmination of all of their training, as opposed to the very beginning of the need for executive level command leadership training, guidance and mentoring. The wise chief is one who recognizes his or her limitations, the need on everyone’s part for continuing professional education, is aware of the superb training that is available, and who finds the time necessary to take advantage of it.
Why Isn’t the Chief Here?
If I had a dollar for every student in my various classes who have asked this question, I could probably buy a new car! In class after class, situation after situation, and problem after problem, the primary key to the resolution of many of the issues raised – more so than any other factors – is the leadership level of the person who should be present, but isn’t, the police chief. Another of the very frequently asked questions by students is how to influence the police chief to strengthen his or her skills. Without exaggeration, among the communications skills discussed in many of my classes is how to discuss leadership issues with the chief in a hopefully inoffensive way.
Why Don’t More Chiefs Take Training Seriously?
This is a good question, and one that I have given a great deal of thought to. First, many chiefs feel that the few seminars they attend at conferences is adequate; The training is usually pretty good, notwithstanding the interruptions, golf games, and people coming in and out of the room on a continuous basis, but it is far from adequate considering the challenges facing today’s executive. Secondly, I think that the fact that many people frequently see the police chief as a learned and talented individual, often seeking information and advice, occasionally creates a somewhat artificial mindset of skills beyond those that truly exist. Finally, there are instances where some police chiefs feel that they have “arrived,” are at the pinnacle of the careers, possess all the wisdom they need, and lack the energy and inclination to realistically pursue continuing education. In all of these situations, the chief is deceived by the stars on his or her collar!
The Nexus Between Strong Leadership and Public Safety
Far too many people in leadership positions have become essential stale and, realistically, have failed to maintain and enhance their leadership skills, and might just as well be “retired in place.” Sure, they meet with the city manager and the mayor, respond to requests from their councils, conduct regular staff meetings, give some guidance, but for the most part are just maintaining the status quo, and are failing to provide the level of leadership required of today’s law enforcement agency. It is essential for people to recognize and not lose sight of the absolute fact that there is a correlation between the performance of the police chief and the safety of the community. Officers who are at the top of their game in terms of training, motivation, skills, knowledge, equipment and the other factors that flow from the chief of police do a better job, make more arrests, obtain more convictions, recover more property, prevent more crimes, and prevent more traffic accidents. While policing is often referred to as an “art,” the previous described reality is so strong and accurate that it might as well be science.
Bottom Line
Chief, wake up and acknowledge the strong and critical need to be at the top of your game, and never lose sight of the reality that there is an absolute correlation between your skills, the effectiveness of your department, and the level of safety in your community. The excuses about having to meet with the mayor or attend a critical meeting are usually just that, an excuse! Your mayor and city manager want a chief that excels as a leader, and will understand an occasional absence so that you can be just that.
Don’t be the chief whose personnel ask, “Why isn’t the chief here!” Get out there and show what leadership is all about by attending the great training that is available. Your troops, the department, and the community deserve nothing less!