5 Ways Police Leaders Can Make Every Day Count
We should put in as much effort on our last day as a leader as we did on our first day
By Lyons Hale
Reprinted with permission from Police1 , www . police1 . com . Read this article to uncover :
The New Jersey Police Chief Magazine | February 2024
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How sharing your experience and knowledge as a leader in law enforcement can create a lasting legacy and positively influence the next generation . The importance of lifelong learning and staying current with law enforcement trends and methodologies , even as you approach the end of your career . Why providing equal opportunities for growth and professional development to all team members is crucial for a fair and forward-thinking work environment . The significance of self-reflection on your original motivations for becoming a leader , and how it can guide your actions and decisions in your career ’ s later stages . The perspective that titles and ranks are transient , and the true value of a career in law enforcement lies in the impact made on your team and community .
I have been in law enforcement for nearly 26 years . It is hard to believe that the 22-year-old who once joked with his chief about the chief being a cop longer than he had been alive is now walking in his shoes . I don ’ t feel that old , nor does it seem like I have been in law enforcement for so long . Despite my feeling young at heart , the “ serving since 1998 ” pin on my uniform often prompts friends and co-workers to ask , “ So , how long do you have left ?”
This question is common for anyone in law enforcement with a similar length of service as mine . People ask for different reasons . Some want to know when you ’ re leaving so that they can plot their future . Others ask because they see you as an asset they don ’ t want to lose . A more concerning reason is if they view you as an impediment to progress and are eagerly waiting for your retirement .
The responses to this question are as diverse as the reasons behind it . When I ask others the most common answer is a precise countdown like “ 321 days , 12 hours , 8 minutes , and 3 seconds .” While this response often makes me laugh , it also points to a concerning trend I have noticed over the years . Leaders nearing retirement tend to shift into neutral , merely counting down their days . This is the opposite of what we should be doing . We should be putting in as much effort on our last day as we did throughout our careers , making every day count , including the last .
Here are five ways I suggest police leaders can make every day meaningful , including their last day in charge .
1 . Reflect on your motivation for becoming a leader . This step may not apply if your primary reason for seeking leadership was higher pay or benefits . However , many people may pursue career advancement with a desire to improve conditions for their team . This should be a key motivator for anyone aiming for a formal leadership role . Ask yourself , are you still making things better for your team ? If so , continue to do so until your last day . Identify what matters most and strive to implement it . As a leader , you can effect change for your team .
2 . Share your knowledge ! The moment you walk out the door , your knowledge walks with you , unless you pass it on . I am not just talking about knowing the best coffee shop ; I mean the valuable insights , tips and tricks you have learned over the years . In most agencies , there is an art to getting things accomplished , often involving knowing the right people . Don ’ t keep those things to yourself . Share your knowledge so that your successor can begin from a position of strength , ready to continue driving the team forward .
3 . Never stop learning . Many people nearing the end of their careers stop attending classes and conferences . Not me . I try to learn as much new information as possible . How can you lead effectively if you are not up to
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