A lot of books have been written on leadership. I’ve known a few folks that seem continually in search of the magic formula that will turn them into a great leader. Could it be that leadership can be installed like a software upgrade? Or is leadership less concrete and more borne of circumstance? What are the common traits of the good leaders you have known? While there may be some givens—sense of purpose and creating an atmosphere of trust—there seems to be a greater number of intangibles. Like many things in life, you know it when you see it.
As I pondered how to convey substantive leadership tips, the first person who came to mind was Chief Scot Haug, Post Falls (Idaho) Police Department. I first met Haug more than 10 years ago when we were both at the FBI National Academy (NA). We’ve crossed paths many times but it was Below 100 (Law Officer’s initiative to drive down line-of-duty deaths) where I really saw him step out.
I told him about Below 100 in late 2010. At the time, it was just a concept and we hadn’t presented a single training presentation. Haug was quick to pick up on the potential and asked for the basic information so he could implement at his department. He didn’t need a turn-key program—he saw the potential and acted on it. As a result, he changed policy, promoted common-sense safety and called a department-wide meeting where he explained the Below 100 program and the need to make some changes. Haug went on to write a grant for his state transportation agency to bring Below 100 training to officers throughout Idaho and organized a Below 100 presentation at the Montana-Idaho FBI NA conference.
Chief Haug’s leadership goes well beyond Below 100. I’ve watched him set the bar very high when it comes to using technology in an effective, force-multiplying manner. Post Falls PD was the first agency recognized in our “Profiles in Progressive Policing” series (January 2012). I’ve seen firsthand the way he handles his employees and citizens. He’s engaged, thoughtful and willing to stand firm when needed. I’d certainly be willing to work for him.
Case in Point
Recently, I was traveling through Arizona, where I had the opportunity to meet Chief Dan Doyle, Lake Havasu PD, when he welcomed a Below 100 class. He was the epitome of a cop’s cop, looking sharp in his dark blue uniform, full duty belt and body armor. He was well spoken and made it clear that the training that day was important. He told those in attendance that if Below 100 didn’t change their attitude, then they were untrainable. He also made a point of underscoring how important the wear of body armor is by saying he wouldn’t wear his uniform without body armor.
Note: It was 109 degrees that day.
I later talked with a member of Arizona POST and learned Doyle is one of the most respected chiefs in the state. The POST member told me, “He’s one of those chiefs that we’d all be willing to follow. We can depend on him to get things done.”
Let’s identify some key points that anyone can work on building as part of their leadership skillset. They won’t guarantee you a chief’s job, but they’ll certainly make you a better leader and one that others are willing to follow.
Be competent. The more skilled you are in your craft, the greater your natural confidence will be. Equally important, tell the truth and follow through on commitments.
Embrace meaningful change and show that it’s important. If you’re looking for a cause, get behind officer safety. Consider implementing Below 100 at your agency—the life you save may be your own.
Walk the talk in the way you wear the uniform and the way you represent your troops. Don’t ask them to do things that they know you wouldn’t do. Show you care by paying attention to subordinates. They can tell you where the organizational weak spots are. Once you hear them, invoke the W.I.N. concept—What’s Important Now?—and systematically engage.
Be proactive. People respect those who get things done. Look for a need and address it. Better yet, recognize and reward those who do. Don’t worry about getting credit; it will come your way when it’s time. Along the way, you’ll build an incredible team.
Conclusion
There might not be a formula that can be followed to create great leaders. But if you’re willing to try, you probably have great leadership potential within you.
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