BUILDING A LASTING LEADERSHIP LEGACY A REFLECTION ON PERSONAL CREED AND PROFESSIONAL OBJECTIVES (original) (raw)

Abstract: In the realm of law enforcement leadership, building a lasting legacy is a paramount goal. As a sergeant in the Parker Police Department, I have crafted a personal creed (heavily leaning on the US Army’s NCO Creed) that guides my leadership approach. This creed emphasizes professionalism, competence, and ethical conduct. In this paper, I explore five critical objectives that contribute to my leadership legacy: 1. Distinguishing Between Leadership and Management: - Leadership involves both art and science, combining personal judgment with academic study. - Recognizing the nuanced differences between leaders and managers is essential. - Balancing the art (personal style) and science (quantifiable principles) of leadership is crucial. 2. Identifying Personal Leadership Strengths: - Self-awareness allows me to leverage my unique abilities effectively. - Recognizing strengths fosters authenticity and confidence. - Continuous learning and adaptation enhance leadership performance. 3. Discussing Vision, Mission, and Values: - Vision inspires and motivates; mission outlines objectives. - Values serve as the moral compass. - Aligning efforts with a clear vision, mission, and values cultivates a culture of purpose. 4. Exploring Practices for Motivating, Building Trust, and Creating Positive Work Environments: - Trust is the foundation; consistency and humility build trust. - Motivation and positive environments result from intentional training. - Balancing urgent/important tasks with important/non-urgent tasks is critical. 5. Understanding Systems Thinking, Clarity of Distance, and Situational Leadership: - Systems thinking considers broader implications and unintended consequences. - Clarity of distance provides perspective for informed decisions. - Situational leadership adapts approaches based on context. In conclusion, I commit to embodying these principles, continually learning, and leading with integrity. By balancing art and science, leveraging strengths, and fostering positive environments, I aim to leave a legacy characterized by competence, compassion, and impact.