Bigger is not Better , Better is Better focus on outcomes and culminates with a change in their identity , the alternative is to begin with an identity-based approach . While it may seem insignificant , focusing on the identity of the person , and in this case an organization , has a huge impact on the increased likelihood of successfully implementing new habits . Clear uses the analogy of a person seeking to lose weight . The person with the outcome-based approach will set a goal and implement processes . However , they never change their self-perception , so they often fail to meet their goal . Whereas , a person who views themselves as being slim and fit will more likely change their exercise and eating habits to comply with their self-image to achieve and maintain the desired self-image .
The same is true for agencies seeking to achieve certification . When departments seeking certification simply want to display a plaque on the wall to demonstrate they have arrived as a professional organization they will have much more difficulty obtaining , and definitely maintaining , certification . On the other hand , agency heads who see themselves and their agencies as being professional will more likely complete the processes required to obtain certification , which is a true representation of what they are - a professional organization . Therefore , in the first step to effectively achieve this milestone , police leaders and their staff must focus on who they are as individuals and as a collective group - professional .
Heads of agencies argue they cannot achieve the standard of excellence identified the Georgia Law Enforcement Certification Program because of size , costs , and / or time . While lack of participation in the program is not limited to small agencies , this group is the least represented in the total number of certified agencies . Too often it is assumed simply because an agency is larger or located close to a metropolitan area , they are naturally better , have more resources , and time . Unfortunately , that is not the case . Bigger is not better , better is better .
So why would an agency head from a smaller community want to certify their department ? The Adel Police Department has 23 officers and has been certified since
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