June 30, 2024
What does a retired Cop (in my case a retired Deputy Chief) have to offer others looking to expand their leadership capabilities in the corporate world? What skills do you have that would relate in a corporate setting? Why would someone hire you as their mentor? (All questions I’ve been asked by interested acquaintances, potential clients, or perhaps critics…)
It’s not the complexities of policing that I highlight, rather it’s a focus on the leadership competencies established from a career serving the community. And by competencies, I’m referring to the foundational knowledge, skills and abilities (KSA’s) of effective leadership that transcend professions, industries and careers.
It’s easy to get caught up reliving the exciting and adrenaline pumping calls or critical incidents, but it’s not the act of responding to a weapons complaint, a vehicle pursuit, or a barricaded gunman that’s important. It’s what goes into that response to make it as safe and effective as possible. It’s the leadership competencies (KSA’s), honed over decades of experience, that are important.
I am talking about:
Confidence: Having the confidence to step into the arena, to overcome fear, to make decisions with potential life altering consequences. To trust your experience, training and team to effectively resolve any situation.
Risk: Understanding what risk needs to be mitigated or managed and how, what is tolerable, and what needs to be avoided.
Decision Making: Making informed decisions based on all available facts and evidence. Knowing where to locate the data to inform your decisions and trusting others around you to provide insight and guidance. To stand by your decisions in the face of public opinion and scrutiny.
Bias for Action: Sometimes we just need to act, to make a decision with the information at hand, and more forward. Understanding there is inherent risk at play and that time is rarely on our side.
Stress Tolerance: The ability to make appropriate decisions in high pressure situations, laden with tense and emotionally charged individuals, in a rapidly unfolding situation or unstable environment. Knowing that decisions made can lead to life and death consequences, and so too can indecision.
Communication: The ability to provide clear and concise information or direction, regardless of audience.
Crisis Communication: Recognizing the importance of what and when information needs be shared during or immediately following a crisis. Providing clarity and timely Information (speed is key) to minimize speculation and ensure all involved know you are in control. Acting with transparency, demonstrating responsibility and accountability. And lastly, being confident.
Teamwork: The ability to work in and often lead cross-functional and diverse teams across the community, sometimes with competing interests. And, to work in or lead close knit, high functioning, and driven teams within the Service.
I am confident we all can relate to these leadership skills and abilities as they transcend professions, industries and careers.
If you are interested in working with me or just want more information, I’d be happy to meet and discuss how a mentorship program could be tailored to suit your needs.
“Your leadership journey doesn’t have to be alone.”
Note:
Thank you @KevinSeiff.
I was inspired to write this blog based on a LinkedIn post Kevin wrote. He spoke of the importance of having the confidence to articulate the experience and expertise you have to offer, as well as having the ability to translate your skillset from a military career (in his case) into the corporate world.
I’m writing this not only to remind myself to take this step and put myself out there, but also hopefully to inspire other police officers or retired police officers to have the courage to do the same. We do have plenty to offer across industries.
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