Gordon Graham
Category: Public Safety
Gordon Graham here with Today’s Tip from Lexipol. Today’s Tip is for all my friends in public safety, and it’s about becoming a better leader.
Let’s face it, folks, public service can be both unpredictable and challenging. Leading in this environment comes with a unique set of challenges. To complicate matters, we often pick highly competent people from the ranks and thrust them into leadership roles with little or no preparation. Despite these challenges, many newly promoted leaders have some initial success, especially if their agency has sound policies and procedures.
But true mastery of leadership in public safety isn’t just about following a set of rules or directing with a heavy hand. It’s an art form, influenced by understanding the unique human factors at play within your team. It’s also about coaching, empowering, and understanding the individuals who make up your team.
Never stop learning and adapting. Public safety is constantly changing, and so are the people within it.
One of the first keys to effective leadership is knowing your people — and I’m not just talking about their names and roles. I’m talking about truly understanding their motivations, strengths, and weaknesses. This lets you tailor your leadership style to fit the needs of each team member, whether they thrive under a more authoritative, participative, or delegative style.
Great leaders are also excellent communicators. Remember, communication isn’t just about talking; it’s also about listening. Engage with your team. Listen to their ideas and concerns. This reduces misunderstandings and builds trust – making your team more successful. When you’re open and honest, they’re more likely to be so, too.
Lastly, never stop learning and adapting. Public safety is constantly changing, and so are the people within it. Embrace these changes, encourage innovation, and always be willing to adjust your approach. Remember, the goal of leadership in public safety isn’t just to lead people, but to inspire and empower them to work together toward a common objective.
And that’s Today’s Tip from Lexipol. Until next time, Gordon Graham signing off.
