Leadership is a Burden Borne with Honor

Leadership is a Burden Borne with Honor
By Christopher Scilingo

As law enforcement officers, we are challenged daily and face many burdens throughout our careers. One significant burden that is often overlooked and unrecognized is the burden of leadership. Those officers who have borne the burden of leadership and done so successfully know too well that leadership is, in fact, a burden and a privilege. Leadership is difficult to begin with, and it is far more challenging to be a good leader. If you find yourself in a position of leadership, it is vital to use your time and position wisely; otherwise, your actions or lack thereof can have detrimental effects on the unit or organization.

Leadership has been studied and examined for a long time; many who have studied it have different explanations or theories. Many traits and principles have been highlighted that make an effective leader. Some traits can be learned and developed; some leaders are stronger or weaker in some traits. Many great leaders of the past and present have written about character traits, leadership strengths or principles. So much of this knowledge is not new. If you find yourself in a position of leadership and are unsure where to begin, pick up a book and read, go to a leadership seminar or course. The knowledge you learn will only benefit you and those under your command.

Leaders have a responsibility to their people; there are no ifs, ands or buts about it. If you cannot grasp that concept from day one, then you have already failed yourself and those under your command. Leaders don’t have the same luxuries as other members do in a law enforcement organization. Good leaders must always be responsible to themselves, their subordinates and to the organization. Good leaders must be the case in point in everything they do every day. A good leader cannot hold others accountable to an example set by the leader but not followed by the leader.

A good leader needs to get members of the organization to buy into their vision. This cannot be accomplished if your subordinates have little confidence in you or they believe that you don’t care about them. It is also important to remember that not everyone will approve of your actions and decisions. Good leaders should be concerned with the welfare of the organization rather than everyone individually. Retired United States Army General Colin Powell puts it best when he describes the disadvantages of avoiding tough decisions and trying to get everyone to like you; he states that being responsible sometimes means pissing people off, and I couldn't agree with him more. A good leader will make the right decisions for the right reasons and should not be worried about peers and others disliking them.

Law enforcement organizations are full of leaders. Some leaders are at the top of the organizational hierarchy, while some are at the bottom and middle. It is important to remember that rank and titles do not make the leader. However, if you do have the privilege of rank, you must take into account the responsibility you have to others within the organization and try to be an effective leader. Nothing can be more harmful to a law enforcement organization than a ranking officer who is an ineffective leader. Remember, leadership is a burden, but one that should be borne with honor.