NCJ Number
106430
Journal
FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin Volume: 56 Issue: 7 Dated: (July 1987) Pages: 6-8
Date Published
1987
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This article gives new police chiefs advice about leadership techniques and management factors and issues to consider when they assume their leadership roles.
Abstract
The author, who is the police chief in Fargo, N. Dak., advises newly appointed chiefs to recognize that most of the organizational problems they will first face do not require immediate attention. A Socratic approach rather than a directional management style will help elicit the people who have creativity and expertise. Individuals who are currently considered organizational deviates may be useful sources of creative problemsolving. New police chiefs must show positive attitudes and set expectations for success and excellence, rather than focusing entirely on management techniques. They should move around the agency to communicate with staff, rather than staying in their offices. Developing and promoting personnel from within will often be more effective than hiring command officers from outside the agency. The 'organizational eunuchs' who constantly express defeatist and rigid attitudes should be transferred to positions where their talents match the organization's goals. The staff members who have the ability to challenge and go beyond what is known are the future leaders of the organization.