Everyone reading this has likely seen a law enforcement leader investigate or make negative public statements about an incident when that incident was clearly within policy, etc. I’ve always found these decisions confusing, and while there may be several reasons for this, including incompetence, more often than not, these cowardly decisions are made out of a love for reputation.
Today, more than ever, the profession needs moral courage. This begins with understanding what you can control.
Reputation Is a Lie - Character Is a Choice
Reputation lives in other people’s heads. It is shaped by rumor, headlines, a five-second clip on social media, the politics of the moment, and the last person to tell a story in the room. You do not own it. You cannot edit it in real time. You cannot guarantee it tomorrow. In fact, with the current defamation laws, your reputation can be ruined tomorrow by nothing more than someone publishing their “opinion” about you.
Reputation is an idle and most false imposition; oft got without merit and lost without deserving - Shakespeare
Rather than chasing reputation, leaders must pursue character. It is truly earned and can never be taken away from you. It is also the core ingredient of leadership. Character is a daily decision that adheres to a core set of non-negotiable principles that you practice when there is a cost. It is the honest memo you sign, the unpopular truth you say aloud, and the standard you hold even when it reduces your options.
It is not contingent on applause.
Reputation-First Leadership Breeds Cowardice
Decision Paralysis
When the prime question is “How will this look?” rather than “What is right?,” the end is near for the agency.Leading by Headline
Leaders attempting to keep the trolls happy will find themselves on the opposite side of courage every time.The Disappearing Shield
While playing to reputation may secure the leader the next job or make them popular in the eyes of the mayor, line officers will either flee to the corner or leave the agency altogether.
The Courageous Leader
Courage in leadership is not just some fancy word. It’s a pattern of disciplined behaviors, repeated when they’re inconvenient and could cost you.
Principle Before Optics: State the principle first, every time. “Here’s what’s right. Here’s why. Now let’s talk about how this will be received.” Optics may matter, but they can never take the place of what is right.
Own It: When the facts are sufficient, decide. Document the rationale. Communicate it plainly. Accept the heat that may come.
Protect the Badge: Tell your people, and show your city, that accountability and support are not opposites. You can investigate rigorously and still stand publicly for fair-acting officers while the facts are gathered.
Courageous Principles
Leading a law enforcement agency is not for the faint of heart, and the demands can be overwhelming. Our natural inclination is to protect our reputation, but if you want to do that, own a flower shop. Apply future decisions with the principles of Courageous Leadership.
always demonstrate and demand integrity
stay focused on liberty, civility, and public safety
never let feelings redefine facts
encourage vigilance, professionalism, and cooperation
communicate to eliminate misunderstanding
anticipate — and continually challenge assumptions and the status quo
inspire others to lead courageously
The Paradox That Frees Leaders
While it may seem hard to give up on our reputation in a world that scrolls every day to keep it, leaders who embrace character are laying the groundwork for greatness.
Long before Galileo Galilei became the father of modern science, he was put on trial for heresy.
Before he was known as one of the greatest American Presidents, Abraham Lincoln was destroyed in the media during the Civil War.
William Wilberforce may be greatly admired today after his advocacy helped end the British slave trade, but he was mocked and marginalized for decades in Parliament.
When you release your hold on reputation and double down on character, your reputation takes care of itself. You cannot control what people say about you tomorrow, but you can control who you are today.
Choose character and let courage do the talking.
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.
Another outstanding article. Leaders need to take notice.