Leadership...Education vs. Training

Have You Ever Wondered Why There Is A Lack of Leadership Practice?

Law Enforcement Professionals are serving in one of the most fantastic times in our history. We live in a country where we have access to just about anything we want with a click of button and when it comes to leadership, that access is like it’s never been before.

There isn’t a day on social media, I don’t see someone discussing or promoting leadership in some way and our profession has access to everything from the FBI National Academy, PERF, IACP and a host of other acronym institutions training on leadership.

If you can’t go there, simply open up your computer and you’ll get pretty much anything you want.

But Something Is Wrong

Despite our access and training on every corner regarding leadership, almost everyone would agree that law enforcement has a leadership problem.

Am I the only one that thinks that’s kind of weird?

The chaos and cowardice I have witnessed within the profession in recent years sent me on a journey of sorts to determine why we have all the head knowledge in leadership without any appearance of practical application.

Education Is Not Training

One issue is the mistake that education equals actual training. They are starkly different.

• Education provides a broad understanding of topics that include theories and concepts while training focuses on the development of specific skills.

• Education is conceptual while training is practical, focusing on developing specific skills through demonstrations, simulations, exercises, and real-world application.

• Education is typically done over an extended period of time (weeks, months or years) while training can be done in a few hours or days.

• The outcome of education is more broad while the outcome of training is more focused and specific which lends to the acquiring of practical skills that enable the attendee to perform specific tasks.

Chasing The Certificate

I get it. Our profession loves our “love me” walls and not a day goes by where I don’t see mini-online celebrations of the latest accomplishment and there is no shortage of education efforts that dangle that carrot. I would be a hypocrite if I didn't acknowledge and admit that I’ve attended my share of “education” courses and I even have a Doctorate in Strategic Leadership and a damn yellow brick to show for it.

Stomping The Sacred Cow

Here is the truth about all of that. None of those experiences changed me. Yes, it filled my head of knowledge and I formed plenty of relationships but more often than not, the experience was often simply an exercise in “getting the work done” rather than obtaining real, tangible skills that made me a better leader.

It didn’t hurt me as a leader but it didn't necessarily change me either. Some won’t be happy I said that but if you are mad, answer me this question…

If all of that worked, why did 2020 and beyond happen to our profession? Why is crime up and recruiting and retention down?

If you blame others, then you missed that day in class.

Head To Heart

Our profession desperately needs to get back to LEADERSHIP TRAINING. I have been in a room for a few hours and I was changed for the better. I didn’t just get knowledge, my DNA changed. I was better the next day as a person and a leader.

That is what we do with the Courageous Leadership Seminar. We aim to change lives…to change the inner core of the attendee to make them a better leader. I’m sure I would be more successful if I offered the five day “certification” or some cool challenge coin for attending and while I may one day, I have personally seen hearts change and that is why I get up in the morning.

If we want to change this profession we must get back to teaching for the heart rather than the trophy at the end.

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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.