By TopSpot Training
This article is provided by www.topspottraining.com and does not necessarily reflect the opinions of Police1.
Preparing for your Sergeant’s exam can be a tumultuous process. There is little doubt that, as you embark on the promotional process, it will take a toll on your body and mind. Fortunately, there are some relatively simple things that you can do to set your mind at ease, or at the very least, point it in the right direction. Here are five quick steps to help you psychologically prepare for your promotional exam.
1) Make up your mind that you want the promotion
Attitude is everything. If you plan on taking the promotional test as “practice for next time” or to “give it a shot and see how it goes,” your chances of success will be reduced dramatically. Make a firm decision that the promotion is something that you absolutely, 100% desire for your career. This is the first and most important psychological step on your path to promotion.
2) Believe that your promotion is attainable
Wanting a promotion won’t do you any good if you don’t believe it’s possible. Fortunately, there are some facts to help you overcome this self-destructive mindset. First, if you are going to take the test, it means you already meet the minimum qualifications. More importantly, it is almost always the best prepared candidate, not the most qualified, that earns the promotion. With these things in mind, train yourself to not focus on your shortcomings. Instead, put all of your energy into preparation.
3) Stop comparing yourself to others
When asking yourself if you can compete and win in the competition for promotion, it may be your natural inclination to compare yourself with other people that are up for the job. The problem with this mindset is that your shortcomings, when compared to other officers, become forefront in your mind. Train yourself to set these thoughts aside, and bring all of your attention to recognizing your strengths and preparing for the exam.
4) Don’t engage in mind games with others
A promotional opportunity is a competitive affair, so you cannot trust how prepared or unprepared someone says they are. By the same token, you probably shouldn’t let your competitors know how prepared or unprepared you are. Don’t be discouraged by the other candidates, but also, don’t allow them to give you a false sense of security about your chances for promotion. Confidence is key, but can only come from solid preparation. Again, focus on preparation, not the competition!
5) Start thinking like a sergeant (or the rank you are testing for) immediately
Developing and utilizing the mindset of a supervisor is one of the best things you can do to psychologically prepare for your promotional interview. Not only is it great practice, but it will ultimately help you make better decisions as an officer. If you haven’t already, start thinking like a supervisor, and be sure to carry that way of thinking with you into your promotional interview!
About TopSpot Training
Nothing is more important to TopSpot Training than your success in the promotional process. TopSpot Training offers hundreds of training videos-- featuring real law enforcement officers answering difficult oral board questions-- and a comprehensive, easy-to-use training curriculum. For more information on the promotional interview process and how to increase your chances of success, visit topspottraining.com.