Am I The Only One...

A few years ago, I discovered a musician by the name of Aaron Lewis. While he had been singing for some time, I didn’t know about him until he sat on his couch with a guitar and sang a song called “Am I The Only One.”

In the midst of the COVID Pandemic and all of the political nonsense that ensued, it was a viral song at the right moment in history that ended up being recorded and hit #1 on the charts overnight. Lewis went from singing in bars to stages and his name has become synonymous for standing up for the working man.

I embraced the lyrics and my wife even took me to one of his concerts but to be honest, I sometimes feel like I’m living out the song when it comes to leadership in law enforcement.

Am I the only one here tonight…Shakin' my head and thinkin' somethin' ain't right
Is it just me? Am I losin' my mind? Am I standin' on the edge of the end of time?
Am I the only one? Tell me I'm not. Am I the only one not brainwashed? Makin' my way through the land of the lost…

Am I The Only One Willin’ To Fight

I stood on stage last week and talked about some of the most pressing issues that face the law enforcement profession and after 20 years traveling the country and teaching cops without a complaint, I was asked to leave the conference. In a society that places feelings and emotions over facts and truths, it shouldn’t have surprised me. In a seminar called “Achieving Greatness In The Midst of Chaos,” I hammered home the importance of knowing your identity, understanding your purpose, and ignoring those that seek to do harm inside and outside the profession so each individual officer or deputy can lead themself and others in a way that leaves a legacy for generations.

Why have our leaders permitted the Department of Justice to destroy agencies and communities through their reform mechanism called a consent decree?

Why are we letting others define who we are by permitting them to label us racists, white supremacists, and a host of other hideous names?

When we know that banning traffic stops increases deaths, legalizing drugs causes a mayhem of property crime and overdoses, and politicians are actively attempting to send cops to jail for lies, why aren’t our leaders standing up?

I can’t answer any of this other than some in our profession have given in to comfort and cowardice, but I know this…I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE.

I'm not the only one…I can't be the only one

As I walked back to my hotel room, I wondered if I was the only one that saw what was happening right in front of us. Surely our leaders haven’t created an environment where truth is considered controversial while authentic leadership that embraces caring for those around us is shunned in the name of some twisted ideology wrapped around inclusion that only applies if everyone believes in the same exact way.

As I took the brisk, five minute walk to my room, I wondered if there was any hope left. My emails started popping as I entered my room and I quickly realized that I wasn’t the only one.

“I sat through your morning session at the ———— conference. I want you to know that I am embarrassed by what happened to you. I found your material to be incredible, impactful, and lessons I'll hold forever throughout my career. I will be looking for more instruction from you and I've already purchased your book.”

“I was so very disappointed that the conference did not allow you to finish your class. I was so encouraged by the first half of your message and looking forward to hearing the rest of what you had to share. I purchased your book and am excited to read it.”

“I just wanted to tell you how much I appreciated and enjoyed your presentation this morning. I completely agree with your direction and am quite frankly embarrassed that I work in a state that didn’t support you. I appreciate what you do and hope that together we can all make a positive difference in LE. I already bought your book during the first session this morning and can’t wait to read more about your program. I wish you well. Don’t give up.”

“Thank you for this lesson - leaders need to be courageous, do the right things for the right reasons and be purposeful in showing care to those in their sphere of influence. I was thoroughly displeased to hear your presentation had been terminated and needed to tell you that I was encouraged and motivated by you. Please continue to fight the good fight and speak the truth!”

Days later, the messages continued and I filmed the remaining portion of the class, sending it to those that graciously reached out to me. In the midst of chaos and crazy, I realized that I am far from the only one. This profession is filled with strong, courageous men and women that understand the power of courageous leadership and have embraced a life and leadership style that can change everything for the better.

Ironically, God used the shortest class I ever taught to let me know that I am definitely not the only one.

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Dr. Travis Yates retired as a commander with a large municipal police department after 30 years of service. He is the author of “The Courageous Police Leader: A Survival Guide for Combating Cowards, Chaos & Lies.” His risk management and leadership seminars have been taught to thousands of professionals across the world. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy with a Doctorate Degree in Strategic Leadership and the CEO of the Courageous Police Leadership Alliance.