This article is part of an ongoing series on leadership development for new law enforcement leaders. Each article addresses a specific area of leadership competency offering learning points, strategies and tips. Click here to access the entire Leadership Development Series.
This month I celebrated 27 years as a police officer. Looking back, I think of all the moments that shaped me — some good, some bad, all valuable. I may still picture myself as that young, eager officer, but the reality is, my rookie days are long gone.
I’ve wanted to be a police officer since I was a kid. Even then, I had a strong desire to serve the public and help others. That desire hasn’t faded — it’s grown stronger. But the way I serve has changed. Today, I no longer serve the public directly. I serve the men and women who do — especially those on my team. And I believe it’s the most important work I’ve done.
If you’re a leader, look at your org chart. It might show people working “for you,” but I encourage you to flip that mindset. You work for them. If you’re just stepping into leadership, start by revisiting your core values. Most of us have a list of values posted on the wall or our agency’s website. But what do they mean to you, personally?
At my agency, one of our core values is selfless service. We often define that as putting the public first — and we should. But as a leader, how often do you interact directly with the public? Your focus may shift, and that’s okay. Because now, your team needs you. Serving them selflessly means showing up, listening, supporting — and putting their needs above your comfort. Is it easy? No. But nothing truly worth doing ever is. If you’re ready to lead with service, here are a few tips to help you start.
Do not let someone else color your opinion of your team
Every time I’ve been promoted, someone has offered their opinion about the people on the team — often as a warning about the supposed negative traits of certain members. If this happens to you, I encourage you to reject that judgment and form your own opinion.
Sometimes, people struggle not because they’re poor team members, but because they’ve had poor leadership. Are you the kind of leader who helps them thrive?
I’ve worked for some excellent leaders — and some not-so-excellent ones. The latter made me dread coming to work and, when I did show up, discouraged any sense of initiative. I’d bet that leader would have described me as a poor performer. But as a good friend of mine often says, “There are no bad teams, only bad leaders.”
Do not demand respect, earn it
Do you know the fastest way to earn the respect of others? Give them respect.
This goes hand in hand with not letting someone else shape your opinion of your team. Unless you’re promoted to lead a group of brand-new officers, chances are your team is already experienced and capable. They know who they are — you’re the new addition. Don’t walk in demanding their respect.
Sure, your new stripes or shiny bars tell them who’s in charge, but ask yourself: do you want to be obeyed, or do you want to be respected?
In our paramilitary structure, rank comes with authority. People are expected to follow your orders. But respect? That must be earned. No matter how many titles you have, demanding respect is the fastest way to lose it. Instead, trust your team. Support them. If you do, they’ll move mountains for you.
Care for and fight for your team, no matter the consequences
When you retire, how do you want to be remembered? As the leader who carefully calculated every move to avoid upsetting the administration? Or as the one who fought tirelessly for their team, no matter the personal cost?
I know which one I’d rather be.
Throughout your leadership career, you’ll face moments when doing the right thing for your team comes at a personal cost. But remember — when you raised your hand and accepted a leadership role, that was the moment to start doing leader things.
I’d rather retire in my current role knowing I gave everything I had for my team than play it safe just to climb the ladder. Forget the next step. Focus intently on where you are right now. Be the leader you said you’d be in your interview. Your team — not your next promotion — should be your top priority.
Never stop learning
Every year during performance reviews, I challenge my team to seek out new training opportunities. This isn’t optional — because I believe leaders should never stop learning.
No matter how long you’ve been in a leadership role, sharpening your skills through classes, podcasts, or books should be part of your routine. Think back to when you were a brand-new officer who loved going to training. That same energy should carry over into how you approach leadership development.
Law enforcement has changed significantly over the years. Yet, in many cases, our leadership philosophy and training haven’t kept up — they’re stuck in the handwritten report era. How can you expect your team to embrace modern policing if you’re not willing to learn something new yourself?
Don’t let bad days turn into bad leadership
If you’re human, you likely have a few pet peeves. And like anyone, you’ll go through personal struggles during your time as a leader. You might feel tired, underappreciated, overworked, or frustrated. These emotions are real, and they can lead to anger or even sadness. But don’t let them interfere with how you serve your team. You must show up for them, regardless of what you’re going through — and yes, that’s easier said than done.
I’ve found that focusing on my team helps me reset my mindset. I do that by asking myself two important questions:
- Am I getting to make the lives of the men and women on my team better?
- What version of me does my team deserve today?
If the answer to the first question is no, it might be time to consider retirement. One of the best compliments I’ve received in my career came from someone I worked with when I was a new officer. He told me the things I’ve worked to change are the same things he and I used to complain about during our rookie years. I think about that often when making decisions. I ask myself: How would rookie me feel about this?
In closing, never forget where you came from — and never stop fighting to make your team’s lives better.
