Just today I was having a discussion with a young sergeant. He, like most all of us, has to wait to attend the supervision or leadership school. So, the lad is getting his supervision training on the job until the next school. During our conversation, I told him that there are three things that every supervisor needs to know and more importantly practice in their daily routine. There are as many leadership books as there are freckles at my family reunion but what I am about to tell you are three powerful points. You do all three, you will hit the leadership trifecta!
Praise in public. Sounds easy enough, doesn't it? What one thing do we as police officers thrive on? Praise. The job is thankless enough as it is. Yes, we all get the happy face memo and lack of sincerity good job from above every now and then. But, when you are praised in front of your watch, your colleagues or another group of coppers, it feels good and you know it. If an officer does a splendid performance on a call, solves a crime through real policework or makes a significant arrest, praise him or her!
Chastise in private. On the opposite extreme, nobody likes to get corrected in front their pals. Dressing an officer down in front of the watch or citizens is the road to disaster. This is a private correction to get them on the right path. I recommend not doing it at the end of the shift. I do not want that officer to stew in his or her juices overnight. Do this during the shift so if the conversation goes longer than expected, you are not condensing it so you can go home on time. Also, never make this an all negative conversation; remind the officer of their past contributions; you know their capabilities and end on a positive note.
When it is over, it's over. If you ever have to give direction or discipline to an officer, remember this was a private matter. But when it is over with, it is over with! This would be like every time you walked by and your parents told some story on you that embarrasses you. I knew a commander that used to mumble at officers as he met them little remarks to belittle them. Don't do this or that and I will have to tighten you up again or the like. He was such a bearer of sunshine to everyone's day. Make the corrections, act as adults and drive on. Never belittle nor remind them of the past.
My analogy to this young sergeant was comparing young cops to training K9s. If you work with your officers with proper leadership and respect, you will be successful. Directing young cops is similar to training a K9. If you beat them down every time you can they will either become wimps or killers, neither of which do we desire. And when you are off, they will not excel but plot your demise upon your return.
Treat your officers with proper leadership and they will perform for you brilliantly. Treat them poorly and see if that supervisor is not explaining to the chief why their stats are down, performance is down, and morale is down. Now that you have a winning trifecta, go and win as a supervisor.
