With great power........
Recently, I was involved in an e-mail dialogue with several police officers as they voiced their frustration in their struggle to be heard by their senior managers. The frustrations of many agents of change is that they are at best ignored, and at worst bullied, by those given the responsibility to lead with integrity. This is, quite sadly, a reality of the dark underbelly of policing which drives many passionate police officers to a place of despair and frustration. That despair and frustration may manifest into unhealthy lifestyles and attitudes when not acknowledged and validated.
The leader of one of the largest police forces in Canada was reported to have said to his membership " make no mistake, I am not accountable to you." I was saddened when I heard this, yet not really surprised. When facing a crisis of leadership, many people resort to a command and control paradigm, by design or implication, in attempts to silence the voice of concern and dissent.
This is systemically a part of the para-military structure that police services are modeled under, and in highly charged and dangerous situations, a decisive command is often required. However, when dealing with human behaviour, attitudes, motivations, and more complex issues, command and control does not work. It only serves to further alienate otherwise passionate and dedicated police officers.
A true leader is one with compassion, who has an attitude of service towards those he or she may be leading. A thick skin, a soft heart, and a wise mind are necessary ingredients to effective leadership. Leadership is influence and influence cannot be commanded down. Influence is capturing the hearts and minds of those one may lead, through a life of integrity, honor and wisdom. This is the cry of many passionate police officers to their leaders, 'we will follow if we trust, we will follow if you show you care, we will not follow if you choose to rule with an iron fist, silencing those with legitimate concerns and passions.'
In the wise words of Spiderman's elderly uncle " with great power comes great responsibility." Accountability is a two way street. Leaders are accountable to those they have been given the responsibility to lead. Coming to the understanding of this timeless truth will bring the profession and environment of policing that much closer to a place of health and healing.
The leader of one of the largest police forces in Canada was reported to have said to his membership " make no mistake, I am not accountable to you." I was saddened when I heard this, yet not really surprised. When facing a crisis of leadership, many people resort to a command and control paradigm, by design or implication, in attempts to silence the voice of concern and dissent.
This is systemically a part of the para-military structure that police services are modeled under, and in highly charged and dangerous situations, a decisive command is often required. However, when dealing with human behaviour, attitudes, motivations, and more complex issues, command and control does not work. It only serves to further alienate otherwise passionate and dedicated police officers.
A true leader is one with compassion, who has an attitude of service towards those he or she may be leading. A thick skin, a soft heart, and a wise mind are necessary ingredients to effective leadership. Leadership is influence and influence cannot be commanded down. Influence is capturing the hearts and minds of those one may lead, through a life of integrity, honor and wisdom. This is the cry of many passionate police officers to their leaders, 'we will follow if we trust, we will follow if you show you care, we will not follow if you choose to rule with an iron fist, silencing those with legitimate concerns and passions.'
In the wise words of Spiderman's elderly uncle " with great power comes great responsibility." Accountability is a two way street. Leaders are accountable to those they have been given the responsibility to lead. Coming to the understanding of this timeless truth will bring the profession and environment of policing that much closer to a place of health and healing.
posted by Bob S at 9:14 a.m.
1 Comments:
So true Bob and so well spoken.
You have again touched my heart.
Rob Creasser
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