Good Leaders Operate Like a Thermostat Not a Thermometer

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.  The right environment is extremely important to the success of any organization.

A thermostat can control the temperature in multiple rooms.  By creating a comfortable environment to work in, a good leader sets the tone for the entire organization.  This environment may consist of different shifts, units and precincts.

A Thermostat is Constant

A thermostat provides a constant temperature for the environment it operates in. Regardless of the temperature outside, the inside temperature remains the same.

Leaders who come to work each and every day, even-handed and in control, are the best leaders for their organization.  They provide consistency for their staff, which is a much-desired leadership trait.

I have worked with good leaders like this in the past.  They were consistent and I appreciated that about them.  These leaders came to work each day with a positive attitude and a smile on their face.  Because of their consistency, I focused on my job and didn’t worry about my interaction with them.

I have also worked with erratic leaders.  You just never knew which person you would get on any particular day.  One day they would be on top of the world and life is great.  The next day, they would be miserable.  Of course, they would let everyone around them know which mood they were in on any given day.  One day you are greeted with a smile and the next day a sharp word.

I am sure you can put a name to someone in your organization that fits this description.

A Thermometer Reacts Rather Than Responds

A thermometer, on the other hand, reacts to its environment.  If it gets hotter, the thermometer rises.  If it gets colder, the thermometer lowers.

Law enforcement leaders face difficult problems each and every day.  One crisis leads to another.  It is the nature of our job.  How we as leaders respond to these difficulties provides insight into our capabilities as a leader.

Leaders should avoid getting too excited when circumstances get troublesome.  A calm, planned response provides a better outcome and sets the best example for staff.

Leaders should also avoid getting too down when everything is more routine.  This response will not be helpful for the organization and can affect everyone.

Both a thermostat and a thermometer have an important job.  Each provides a level of information or control to those using them.

Organizations led by thermostat leaders are healthier, accomplish more and are a great place to work for the entire staff.

Be a thermostat leader.

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