The temperature in Atlanta, Georgia has been rather cool the last few weeks.  Actually, I would say downright cold, although the last few days have been rainy with moderate temperatures. I don’t like cold weather, especially when the temperature drops below 20 degrees. I know, 20 degrees isn’t too bad for some places but it is pretty cold for here. Anyways, the cold temperature started me thinking about the difference between a thermostat and a thermometer. A thermostat registers the temperature in the room and adjusts its setting according to how it has been programmed to regulate the temperature.  A thermometer, on the other hand, takes the temperature and reports the results. A thermometer has little power or influence while a thermostat has both. Good leaders operate like a thermostat. A Thermostat Sets the Temperature The temperature can be controlled by a thermostat so the environment is comfortable for those in the area controlled by the thermostat.  When it is cold outside, a thermostat can make it nice and toasty inside.  When it is warm outside, a thermostat can cool things off. A good leader creates the right environment inside the organization, which provides a productive climate to work in. …

There is a continuing debate about whether an internal or external candidate is the best choice for police chief.  The truth is it depends, a lot, on the dynamics of the particular job being applied for. I was an internal candidate for police chief at the Marietta Police Department and did not get the job.  Just two years later, I was an external candidate for the police chief job at the Dunwoody Police Department and got the job. Of course, all candidates for the Dunwoody job were external candidates since it was a brand-new police department! Let’s examine the top six advantages of being an inside candidate for police chief. 1. Well Established Relationships The effectiveness of any police chief is predicated in part on having a good relationship with the community, department staff and the elected officials. An internal candidate typically has worked at the department for many years and built positive relationships with those three groups. Internal candidates answer thousands of calls for service, attend countless community meetings and participate in hundreds of citywide events all of which contribute toward that positive relationship. Similarly, having your fellow officers back over time and being there for each other through…

Recently, I was listening to the radio when a wonderful song by MercyMe titled, “Dear Younger Me” came on.  The lyrics are beautiful.   The song highlights how our lives and the choices we make would be different today if we could speak to our younger self. When I heard this song, I couldn’t help but think back to when I first started my career in law enforcement on October 15, 1981. Given the opportunity, what would I tell my younger self? #1. Put Family First The first and most important thing I would tell my younger self would be to put my family first.  No question about it. No one warned me of the dangers of getting too wrapped up in the job of a police officer, while ignoring my family. I spent a lot of time and energy climbing the corporate ladder, so to speak, and neglected my family.  I worked long hours, volunteered for special assignments and never said no.  I was rewarded by getting the assignments I wanted and being promoted, all at the expense of my family. When I speak to new hires today, I take the time to tell them how important it is for…