As some of you might know, I have a podcast devoted to Courageous Leadership and there are times that the lessons in the interviews are so powerful, I need to send them to you. The interview with Pinal County Chief Deputy Matt Thomas certainly fits into that category and I believe it will be well worth your time.
You can subscribe to the weekly podcast “Courageous Leadership with Travis Yates” at the platform of your choice and this episode has not yet been distributed to the masses.
You can get a copy of Matt’s excellent book, “Interceptors: The Untold Fight Against the Mexican Cartels” here.
Here are some of the items we discussed.
The Importance of Trust and Support
One of the core themes in Matt's leadership philosophy is the importance of trust. He believes that fostering an environment where team members feel supported and trusted leads to greater performance and morale. He recalls learning from past leadership experiences where micromanagement hindered team effectiveness and believes in what we often discuss here…You will not gain trust from others until you show them trust first.
By empowering his officers and allowing them the freedom to make decisions, Matt has seen his agency flourish. He emphasizes that mistakes should be viewed as learning opportunities rather than failures, reinforcing a culture of growth and resilience.
Lessons from Leadership Experiences
Matt shares that some of his most valuable lessons came from observing poor leadership. He aims to be the opposite of those leaders, focusing on transparency, open communication, and genuine care for his team. He believes that a supportive environment encourages officers to take risks and learn from their experiences, ultimately leading to a stronger team dynamic.
Impact of Sheriff Mark Lamb's Leadership
Matt discussed the transformative leadership style of Sheriff Mark Lamb, which emphasizes a holistic approach to leadership. This style prioritizes the well-being of officers and fosters a family-like culture within the agency. The sheriff's focus on caring for people has been instrumental in shaping the agency's positive environment and Matt discusses how he adapted to this “out of the box” style that has proven very successful with the agency.
Cultivating a Positive Agency Culture
The culture within an agency is crucial for effectiveness and Matt believes that a positive culture stems from humility and a genuine desire to serve the community. By treating officers with respect and valuing their contributions, leaders can create an environment where individuals feel empowered to excel. Open communication, vulnerability, and a willingness to listen are just some of the key components in fostering a strong culture.
Investing in Officer Well-Being
Matt believes in investing in human capital and he has done that through bringing in a wide variety of resources, programs, and training to his personnel. From leadership training to wellness initiatives, the agency prioritizes the holistic health of its personnel. He believes that investing in officers leads to better performance and a more positive impact on the community. This approach acknowledges that each individual has unique needs and not everyone will participate in everything but by offering numerous resources, the agency will gain the most advantage and individuals will find what they need to thrive.
Overcoming Challenges Together
Throughout his tenure, Matt has dealt with personal and professional challenges. He emphasizes the importance of resilience and support during these difficult times and he discusses the importance of leaders showing vulnerability and openly sharing their experiences so that personnel are encouraged to seek help if needed. Authenticity has proven to be a tremendous advantage for the leadership team at Pinal County and Matt’s discussion on the issue is powerful.
Building a Legacy of Leadership
Chief Deputy Matt Thomas's journey in law enforcement offers valuable insights into effective leadership, trust-building, and cultivating a positive agency culture. His experiences highlight the importance of supporting officers, empowering them to succeed, and fostering an environment where they feel valued.
In leading with compassion and integrity, Chief Deputy Matt Thomas is leaving a legacy that we can all learn from.
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.
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