By Greg Zaroslinski
For years, the worlds of business and sports have understood a secret that many sectors are just beginning to grasp: coaching isn’t just for refining top performers, it’s the key to transforming motivated individuals into peak achievers.
It’s not simply about polishing the gems but also about unearthing them. This revelation is critical for law enforcement agencies seeking innovative solutions to today’s complex challenges, particularly as it relates to recruitment and retention, as well as for officers pursuing professional development.
What is coaching, and why is it important?
Coaching is a partnership aimed at amplifying potential and achieving top performance. Through focused discussions, coaches help leaders pinpoint challenges and strengths, set clear goals and map out strategies. This process not only sharpens leadership skills but also sparks positive change throughout organizations, ensuring peak operation.
Differing from standard or generic training, coaching provides tailored feedback focused on individual strengths and growth areas. [1] While widely adopted in sports and business, its efficacy is equally significant for law enforcement.
Leaders across various fields engage in coaching to elevate their capabilities and further their careers. Many entities deem coaching vital for those transitioning to elevated roles due to its emphasis on leadership essentials like effective communication, emotional insight, and decision-making. [2]
From boardrooms to ball fields
In the realm of business, giants like Google, Apple and Amazon invest heavily in coaching. It’s not exclusive to their executive echelons but is prevalent across the board. These companies recognize that the “well-intentioned average” employee, when paired with effective coaching, can evolve into a powerhouse of productivity and innovation. [3]
Similarly, in sports, every elite athlete, from Serena Williams to Lionel Messi, emphasizes the pivotal role of their coaches. Yet, their teammates, often not in the spotlight, also access the same high-caliber coaching, an essential component in turning them into indispensable assets for their teams. [4]
Crafting cultures of trust and accountability
And it’s not just about individual performance. Businesses and sports teams use coaching to cultivate environments rich in trust, purpose, and accountability. This cultural shift not only enhances output but also ensures longevity and consistency in results. A 2017 study by the International Coaching Federation found that companies that actively integrate coaching report higher revenue, superior employee satisfaction and notably improved workplace culture.
Sports teams, from grassroots to the premier leagues, similarly focus on coaching to instill a sense of purpose and team ethos. Their objective transcends just winning games; it’s about nurturing a squad where every player feels accountable, trusted, and, most importantly, valued. Coaches in these teams employ techniques that cater to both the collective team and individual players, emphasizing that every member’s growth contributes to the team’s overall success. [5]
Cultivating leadership from the top…and bottom
While leadership traditionally flows from the top echelons of an organization, there’s an emergent paradigm that’s equally potent: bottom-up leadership. This approach encourages even the rank-and-file employees to take leadership initiatives. They’re motivated to innovate, challenge status quo, and drive changes, irrespective of their hierarchical position. [6]
The adoption of coaching can help infuse this bottom-up leadership spirit within the department. When individuals at all levels receive coaching, they’re empowered with the confidence and skills to effect positive changes, leading to an organic, all-encompassing culture of leadership.
So why has coaching become an industry standard? The answer lies in its transformative nature. Coaching aids in molding not just leaders but also teams and organizational cultures. It’s a best practice recognized universally, with many institutions making coaching mandatory for those eyeing leadership or specialized roles. [7]
The ripple effect on culture
A robust leadership foundation can radically reshape an organization’s culture. Culture, after all, isn’t just about policies and procedures; it’s the very ethos and environment that employees navigate daily. [8] And in a domain as challenging as law enforcement, the right culture can make a world of difference.
A positive, proactive and inclusive culture can become a prime factor for both employee retention and attraction. As potential recruits assess their fit within a department, they invariably gauge the prevailing culture. A culture that resonates values, inclusivity, and growth can be a compelling draw. [9]
Moreover, when existing employees experience a culture where they are valued, understood, and given avenues for growth, they’re less likely to seek opportunities elsewhere. Coaching, by bolstering leadership skills, ensures the creation of such a nurturing environment.
Coaching: A revolution in leadership and police culture
While industries ranging from sports to business have made coaching an industry standard, its implementation within law enforcement can offer unique dividends. [10] Given the distinct challenges and demands of a police officer’s role, coaching can be tailored to address these nuances.
Through coaching, law enforcement personnel can better handle stress, engage more empathetically with the community, and make sound decisions in high-pressure situations. And as these coached individuals rise through the ranks, they can bring along with them a culture of empathy, effectiveness, and excellence.
At a time when departments face high turnover rates, dwindling recruitment, and a pressing need for fostering a constructive internal culture, the strategies employed by businesses and sports can be instructive. Instituting a coaching culture could address these challenges head-on.
For instance, the common thread of mistrust or lack of communication within departments can be resolved by imbibing the values coaching promotes: open dialogue, constructive feedback and mutual respect. Through coaching, leaders within the force can cultivate an atmosphere of trust, where officers feel empowered to voice concerns, suggest improvements and take initiative.
Furthermore, in terms of recruitment and retention, coaching presents a two-pronged advantage. Firstly, it positions the department as a progressive entity, keen on personal development, making it attractive to potential recruits. Secondly, current officers, when subjected to consistent coaching, are likely to feel valued and understood, reducing the chances of them seeking opportunities elsewhere. [11]
As law enforcement departments grapple with modern-day challenges, it’s crucial to look outward and learn from sectors that have consistently harnessed the benefits of coaching. By integrating these best practices, departments can not only address current issues but also fortify themselves for future challenges. Embracing a coaching culture is no longer just an option; it’s a necessity for progressive and forward-thinking law enforcement agencies.
The age-old practices of law enforcement require fresh lenses and rejuvenated leadership approaches. Officers and command need more than just the badge; they need the acumen to lead, inspire, and shape departmental culture. Enter the transformative power of coaching, a tool not just for athletes or CEOs, but one that holds the promise of redefining leadership and culture within the police departments and sheriff’s offices globally.
As the dynamics of society evolve, so should the modalities employed by its custodians. For law enforcement entities aiming to future-proof their departments, embracing coaching can be transformative. By cultivating leadership skills, reshaping culture, and retaining the best talents, coaching can ensure that our law enforcement agencies remain paragons of excellence and effectiveness.
References
1. Whitmore J. (2017.) Coaching for Performance: The Principles and Practice of Coaching and Leadership. Nicholas Brealey Publishing.
2. McCarthy J, Milner J. (2013.) Managerial coaching: Challenges, opportunities and training. J Manag Dev.
3. Grant AM. (2016.) The third ‘generation’ of workplace coaching: Creating a culture of quality conversations. Coaching: An Int J Theory, Res Pract, 9(1):37-53.
4. Rath T. (2013.) Strengths-Based Leadership. Gallup, Inc.
5. Gallwey WT. (2000.) The Inner Game of Work. Random House Business Books.
6. Uhl-Bien M, Arena M. (2018.) Leadership for organizational adaptability: A theoretical synthesis and integrative framework. Leadersh Q, 29(1):89-104.
7. Coutu D, Kauffman C. (2009.) What can coaches do for you? Harv Bus Rev, 87(1):91-97.
8. Schein EH. (2010.) Organizational Culture and Leadership. Vol 2. John Wiley & Sons.
9. Denison DR. (1990.) Corporate Culture and Organizational Effectiveness. John Wiley & Sons.
10. Grant AM. (2016.) The third ‘generation’ of workplace coaching: Creating a culture of quality conversations. Coaching: An Int J Theory, Res Pract, 9(1):37-53.
11. Boyatzis RE, Smith ML, Beveridge AJ. (2013.) Coaching with compassion: Inspiring health, well-being, and development in organizations. J Appl Behav Sci, 49(2):153-178.
About the author
Greg Zaroslinski is the president of Performance Protocol, a company that helps law enforcement agencies and their employees achieve their full potential through recruitment, development and retention. With over 10 years of experience in scaling businesses, Greg has successfully grown several ventures to over $45 million in valuation and earned the Entrepreneur of the Year Runner-Up award.
As a former Non-Commisioned Officer in the U.S. Navy, Greg also has a strong background in recruitment, staff development and organizational leadership. He was honored as the Rookie Recruiter of the Year in 2007 and the National Recruiter of the Year Runner-Up in 2008 and 2009. He leverages his military and business skills to inspire and educate others as a transformational life and executive coach, a motivational speaker and a competitive endurance athlete. Greg’s mission is to empower people to overcome their challenges and achieve their goals.