Category Archives: Guest Bloggers

I have been remiss in keeping the Police Dynamics website updated largely due to the new private investigative business that I recently founded, Focal Point Investigations.  And I am going to renege again by once again deferring to my friend and colleague Lloyd Thomas for this latest post. His comments are always insightful, thought-provoking, and consistent with the character-based message of Police Dynamics. I hope you enjoy…

CREATE THE LIFE OF YOUR DREAMS By Lloyd J. Thomas, Ph.D.

Lloyd ThomasIn last week’s column, I wrote about the process of transforming your life. I received many responses that essentially complained that the column was too “complicated” or “too abstract.” So today, I write about some practical steps you can take to engage in that “transformational process” more easily. Here are some of the practical principles for creating the life of your dreams.

1. Consciously choose what you really want. Dream boldly and positively. With photographic clarity, imagine your life the way you want it to be. Trust your own ability to create the life you desire.

2. Always tell the truth. Directly and candidly speak and write only what you believe to be true. Be honest with yourself. Seek the truth about yourself, others and the world. Make certain that what you speak is borne out in how you act.

3. Focus on becoming a Lover in Life. (more…)


Category: Lloyd Thomas

A friend and colleague of mine from Colorado, Dr. Lloyd Thomas, is a licensed psychologist, accomplished author, and life coach. He recently posted an article on Effective Family Leadership. The principles are so consistent with Police Dynamics and other principles of organizational leadership that I asked him for permission to include them on the Police Dynamics site, which he graciously granted. Since it is the day after Father’s Day, I thought it was particularly appropriate to post this new video today…

To subscribe to Dr. Thomas’ weekly leadership newsletter, go to: http://lists.webvalence.com/listmgr/subscribe?lists=practical_life_coaching

You can find his book, “Total Life Coaching: 50+ Life Lessons, Skills and Techniques for Enhancing Your Practice…and Your Life!” on Amazon.com.

Here is the complete text of Dr. Thomas’ article: 

EFFECTIVE FAMILY LEADERSHIP
By Lloyd J. Thomas, Ph.D.

Whether you like it or not, when you become a parent you become the leader of your family.  Children learn by observation and imitation.  Parents are the “models” that children first observe and begin to imitate.  You need to engage in the behavior you want your children to imitate and learn.  As a parent, you become your children’s primary leader.  It is a powerful and often difficult responsibility.

Most of us never learned the skills of effective leadership.  In our culture, we have been regularly exposed to the notion that we should become “child-centered” or that “children should always come first.”  If we make children the leaders of our families, our family structure will disintegrate.  As parents, it is not our job to imitate our children.  It is not our job to behave like children.  It is not our job to be our children’s “best friend.”  It is not our job to adapt to their behavior…it is their job to adapt to ours.

As parents, we need to become fully responsible leaders…responsible first for our own health and well being.  Otherwise, we offer less than healthy leadership to our children.  Teaching our children leadership and self-responsibility is only accomplished by becoming the best example of leadership and self-responsibility ourselves.

Here are ten time-honored principles of effective leadership.  To become your children’s best leader, learn and practice these principles. 

1.  Your children are sometimes illogical, unreasonable, self-centered, disobedient, stubborn, and defiant.  Love them anyway. (more…)


Barney Barnes

I’ve posted insights from my former Chief of Staff, Barney Barnes, before (we had the running joke that every Sheriff needs a Barney…). In his retirement, he has taken up his passion for writing, including an awesome book (that I highly recommend) called Born to Be a Warrior.

This past Memorial Day, Barney penned the following piece on the Warrior Code that I thought would be particularly fitting for the Police Dynamics site because it incorporates so much of the character-based principles necessary to be a great leader.

The Warrior Code                                 

“The warrior code takes a soldier and makes him a knight.  It connects the natural life of a fighter to the supernatural understanding of the warrior calling.  His duties are transformed into holy sacrifices; his sense of self is reformed into the image of the servant in pursuit of valor.  He becomes part of a fellowship, a noble tradition that flows thru him and carries him beyond the mediocre and the vain.” — Steven Mansfield, The Faith of the American Soldier  

I have worn a warrior suit, of one form or another, most of my adult life–first as a navy pilot, then state guardsman and law enforcement official. Now at age 66 I can say, without reservation, that Steven Mansfield has uncovered a great truth.  In fact, the truth of his statement transcends historical and cultural divides.

A warrior code is necessary in our fallen world because of the presence of evil and the chaos and violence it produces.  We become aware of this violence early on in the Genesis text. In chapter 4, we learn the details of a homicide in which Cain, in an outburst of anger, murders his brother Abel.  This violence continues today often serving as the lead story on local, national, and international news reports from around the world. (more…)


Category: Barney Barnes

I first met Dr. Kimberly Alyn, a best-selling author and international professional speaker, at a SC Sheriff’s Association Conference where she was our guest speaker. I was totally impressed with her ethical vision for leadership and its consistency with the character-based message of Police Dynamics. Since that day, we have remained strong colleagues and email “pen pals.”

I came across this video of her speaking at a leadership conference and asked for her permission to post it here. I thought it would make a great finale to our series on Dynamic Leadership.

She emphasizes the importance of building strong relationships to influence others — a key component of our Coactivity Maxim and the Team Building Roles of a SuperVisor. You will particularly like the example of a Renegade Cop who “overdosed” on some confiscated marijuana. See the video through to the end because the best part is her rendition of “Up Time“…

Thanks, Kim. And keep up the good character…!

(more…)


As police and government leaders, we certainly don’t want to encourage someone to do something stupid that puts themselves or their families at risk. At the same time, we don’t want our citizens to be a bunch of wimps that are intimidated by the criminals. In fact, fear and intimidation are the very things that criminals count on to establish strongholds. When fear, coupled with apathy and tolerance for crime, are pervasive in a neighborhood, the criminals often have free reign.

I appreciate Wild Bill for America’s videos and he always raises interesting, albeit controversial, issues…

 

 


Category: Guest Bloggers
Al Mozingo

Al Mozingo

from Al Mozingo – the Fire Manager

As leaders we are often asked to motivate people.  We have our supervisor asking us to “motivate your subordinates.”  How many leaders really have some techniques, methods, or theories they utilize in this endeavor?  Hopefully, the below information will assist you in motivating your people.

The definition of motivation is: to incite or impel another.  Further, the definition of motivational research is: a systematic and scientific analysis of the forces influencing people so as to control the making of their decisions.  With those two definitions presented, now let us look at motivating our people.

Motivation:
to incite or impel another

Motivational Research:
a systematic and scientific analysis of the forces influencing people so as to control the making of their decisions

 

(more…)


Good Stuff from the Fire Manager – Al Mozingo…

I recently read a book about Four Star Generals and Admirals.  At the end of the book was an article about comments given to a group of new Brigadier Generals.  It was given as part of a two-day training session at the Pentagon to brief these new Generals on their promotions.  Unofficially it was called the “Charm School.”  The presenter was General Louis L. Wilson, Jr. a graduate of West Point, a former Air Force Inspector General, and Commander in Chief for the Pacific Air Forces.

This General looked at the canned speech that was normally given and decided to change it.  After going over thoughts of his successes and failures as a leader over the years, he presented the following:

The Ten Points of Leadership  

(more…)


Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

In light of our recent commemoration of Dr. Martin Luther King Day, who will always be endeared to me due to his famous quote about character:

“I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.”

I have asked a colleague of mine from the fire service, Al Mozingo, to provide a guest post on leadership. Enjoy…

Sheriff Ray

[divider_bar]Insert Your Text Here[/divider_bar]

The principles of leadership can be taught to a student of leadership in many different formats.  One can study the characteristics of great leaders or study their behavior and actions.   To take a class, read a book, attend a seminar, or read an article about the subject matter are other methods of gaining knowledge and insight into leadership principles.

In this article, I will describe leadership principles in a different way by presenting a story to show pragmatically the lessons of the principles of leadership.  Putting the principles into practical use, by one’s own action, is where the “tire meets the road.”  This little story was in a book entitled, Virtues of Leadership, by William J. Bennett.

The Story

In January 1956, the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., left his home to attend a meeting at a nearby church.  During the meeting someone came into the church with news for King; “Your home has been bombed.”  Rev. King, upset and anxious because his wife and baby were in the house at the time of the bombing, rushed home to find a large number of people in the house.  The bomb had actually exploded on his front porch raining glass into the living room.  After checking on his wife and daughter he turned his attention to the angry crowd.

People who gathered outside of the house wanted revenge against whoever had done this terrible act.  Some of them were actually carrying guns and shouting at the police.  The situation was about to turn to chaos and become violent.  He told the crowd in a calm voice that his wife and child were fine.

Silence had fallen over the crowd as he began to speak to them.  He indicated to the crowd that violence was not the answer.   He explained that violence would harm their cause, it would not solve their problems.  As of matter of fact, it would make it worse.  He indicated that the Bible teaches, “We must meet hate with love.”  He told them to put down their weapons and to go home.

The crowd’s demeanor started to change.  People became calm and some said “Amen” and others said “God Bless You.”  At a moment of chaos and anger, Rev. King seized the moment to show true leadership.  The crowd responded to this and started to drift apart and go home.  As events unfolded, photographs were taken and the next morning newspapers across the country ran the photos on the front page.  The Civil Rights Movement began to swell; this was a turning point in history!  Under pressure a great man put personal virtues into action in the form of true leadership.

Leadership Virtues

Rev. King’s virtues included courage, wisdom, and faith.  He had a certain vision and the talent to progress that vision forward with leadership.  His virtues also included compassion, perseverance, and faith.  We all should strive to have these virtues, character and traits as our own.  These virtues will allow us to operate with a calm clear mind when under pressure.  They will assist in guiding us in areas of moral and ethical situations.  One of the great principles of leadership is one’s own character.

Reference:

William J. Bennett, The Book of Virtues, W Publishing Group, a Division of Thomas Nelson, In., Nashville, Tennessee, 2001

About the Author

Al Mozingo

Al Mozingo

Al Mozingo is a nationally recognized leadership instructor and a 30-year veteran of the Fire Service.  Mr. Mozingo teaches for the National Fire Academy, State Fire Training, and Local Fire Academy.  He has a wide range of programs available.  You can contact him to present a leadership program at your location today: www.firemanager.com  or  (619) 447-2828


V´aclav Havel

V´aclav Havel

The real test of a man is not when he plays the role that he wants for himself but when he plays the role destiny has for him.V´aclav Havel

For movie buffs, it is one of the most memorable scenes in movie lore. Harold Francis Callahan, the lead character in Dirty Harry portrayed by Clint Eastwood, has just killed two bank robbers. A third bank robber (Albert Popwell) lies wounded on the pavement near a gun. Callahan approaches him with his .44 Magnum and delivers the line, “…you’ve got to ask yourself one question: Do I feel lucky? Well, do ya punk?”

The movie ranks 51st on 100 years…100 Movie Quotes for the line Callahan delivers. But for all of the recognition Eastwood received for the role, he was not the one originally cast for the role. Initially, Frank Sinatra accepted the role but eventually backed out due to a hand injury. Burt Lancaster also turned down the role.

As for other famous movies it is interesting to note that W.C. Fields passed on playing the role of Wizard in The Wizard of Oz. Fields wanted $100,000 and MGM offered just $75,000. Cary Grant turned down a role in James Bond, Bette Davis turned down the role of Scarlet O’Hara in Gone with the Wind, Daryl Hanna turned down the role of Vivian, in Pretty Woman, and Al Pacino turned down the role of Han Solo in Star Wars.

Someone once said, “Be willing to give up all that you now are to be all that you can become.” And that is what leaders do. As some actors vacated roles that were handed to them, others stepped up and became stars. The journey of leadership, as in life, is not always predictable. How you respond will determine the role destiny has for you. Consider these three points of destiny as you set the course of your leadership development.

The unexpected; dare to embrace it. In his new book, Nearing Home, Billy Graham shares about his early ambitions in life. His dream was to be a professional baseball player. But there was a greater role that destiny had for him and baseball was not it. While baseball is certainly an honorable profession, the calling upon Billy Graham’s life was a higher one.

An inability to embrace the unexpected can make the difference between a promotion versus a raise, a large new account versus one small sale, or a life that touches millions versus a life lived in the shadows. If the unexpected is treated as an interruption and not seen as an opportunity, it will hold you back. Embrace the unexpected; it could be your blessing in disguise.

Your uncertainties; rise above them. After a devastating fire swept through his lab, no one would have blamed him if he decided to give up and pursue another career. When found in the midst of the rubble the fire left behind, he turned to his son and said, “There is great value in disaster. All our mistakes are burned up. Thank God we can start anew.” And start anew is what Thomas Edison did. Three weeks after the fire, he managed to deliver his first phonograph.

Whether your uncertainties are born out of tragedy, your imagination, or by skepticism placed upon you by others; your destiny is within reach when you rise above your doubts and conquer your fears. Shakespeare was right when he said, “Our doubts are traitors and cause us to miss the good we oft might win by fearing to attempt.” The first step towards achieving your destiny as a leader is making the attempt.

The unimaginable; you can live it. In the book, Halftime: Changing Your Game Plan from Success to Significance, Bob Buford writes, “Most people never discover their ‘one thing.’ But part of what is so unsettling about approaching the end of the first half of our lives is that we know it is out there somewhere.” The unimaginable is the dream you have that will elevate you beyond the traditional definition of success to a more purposeful life of significance.

Regardless of the role destiny has for you as a leader, I am a firm believer that you can achieve it. When you embrace the unexpected, overcome your doubts, you can live the unimaginable. The reach of your leadership rests in the power of the beliefs.

Have you embraced your destiny?

© 2011 Doug Dickerson

Doug Dickerson is an award winning columnist and leadership speaker. He is the author of the book, Leaders Without Borders: 9 Essentials for Everyday Leaders. A Lowcountry resident, Doug is available to speak for your civic, business, or church group. Visit www.dougsmanagementmoment.blogspot.com to learn more.


Category: Doug Dickerson

My former Chief of Staff, Barney Barnes (every Sheriff needs a Barney – and I NEVER get tired of that joke…), gave a very well-thought-out response to the request for guidance on aspiring to leadership. I had to include it as a separate post. Here it is:

That is some of the soundest advice that can be given and, if followed, the young man will do well. Taking the path of least resistance will make a mighty river and a mighty man, both crooked. Here area couple points he may want to consider.

1) It is the love and passion of the leader, for the enterprise and for the followers, that creates a soul and brings organic life into the enterprise. This creates the “esprit” were the unit will move as one…military, law enforcement, sports team, or business. That reminds me of a quote I came across–What better expression of love is there than to create life—and how can life be sustained without love? True leaders, as the ancients taught, are followed without any coercion because the leader has “turned their soul to some noble purpose”. The greatest leader put this all together as he spoke of the sacrificial nature of leadership birthed in love…”Greater love has no man than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends” (followers). Jesus. Men and women who go into harms way correctly must possess a love for each other and not be driven by hatred for the evil force they oppose. Love is the stronger emotion…love for the unit and love for each other will sustain them in the greatest adversity.

2) Then there is the little talked about subject of followership. Try to find a book on this subject, yet to be a great leader you must first be a great follower. Remember the childhood game—Follow the Leader? Followership is not only a prerequisite to leadership, it is also a continuing role. When you think about it we must be able to fulfill both roles for much of our lives. In law enforcement/military the Sergeant is following the Lieutenant while at the same time leading the corporals. If the lieutenant is a poor follower then this will taint “the sarge” who may inflict this on the corporal. The lieutenant was most likely a poor follower and should have never been given the additional responsibility—they should have been given the opportunity to be a corporal once again. This is why good leadership at the top is so essential—ensuring that good followership is in place throughout the organization. I call this “bi-directional” followership and it is a close relative of bi-directional loyalty.

Keep your powder dry,

Barney


Sheriff Ray Nash

Sheriff Ray Nash

What Law Enforcement and Community Leaders Are Saying About Police Dynamics

“A few years ago, we brought the Police Dynamics program to the Cincinnati Police Division and were most impressed with the quality of the training and richness of the program.”
Mike Daly
Character Council of Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky

"I have attended training conducted by the Police Dynamics Institute in the past and know Ray Nash both personally and professionally. They have my whole-hearted endorsement…"
Sheriff Larry Williams
Orangeburg, SC

"I cannot tell you how excited I am to see this website. I was introduced to your video on the Dynamics of Authority through my father who is a police chaplain for the FBI and local law enforcement agencies here in Las Cruces. I have taught and applied the Dynamics model to my students when I was a teacher, and now to my department as a fire fighter."
Nathan Carr
Las Cruces Fire Dept.

“One of the greatest seminars I have ever attended in the 33 years I’ve been a Deputy.”
Walter Bolinger
Sergeant
Marion County Sheriff’s Office, IN

"I was so impressed by the (Police Dynamics) program that I purchased your video tape series. All Grand County Sheriff’s Employees subsequently viewed the tapes, and I have also mandated that all new Sheriff’s Employees watch it as well."
Glen Trainor
Undersheriff
Grand County Sheriff’s Office

"It is with much enthusiasm that I encourage senior law enforcement executives to make attending the Police Dynamics seminar a key training priority for your agency."
DeWayne Beggs
Sheriff
Cleveland County, OK
former 2nd VP - National Sheriff's Association

"I am convinced of the benefits of the Police Dynamics program."
Jerry Martin
Sheriff
Delores County, CO
former Pres - County Sheriff's of Colorado

"Honestly, I’ve not been more impressed with a police training that I’ve attended in the last 20 years..."
Tom McClain
Chief of Police
Willard, MO

"I am a firm believer that Police Dynamics and Character First! equip the men and women that work for the Oklahoma Sheriff’s Office to do their job and do it better."
John Whetsel
Sheriff
Oklahoma County, OK

"If you believe that good character is an essential element in policing, you will want to send your key staff to Police Dynamics."
David Williams
Sheriff
Tarrant County, TX

"In the three years prior to our character initiative, we had 42 labor and employee grievances, and seven different lawsuits. In the three years since we put the character initiative in place, we have had two grievances and no lawsuits from employees. I think that, in and of itself, is significant."
Rodney Ray
City Manager
Owasso, OK

"This course was one of the best training sessions that I’ve been through. This concept will benefit me and the staff in my division."
Police Dynamics participant

[We have] more awareness of the preventative benefits of a character initiative as opposed to the typical reactive approach to situations. There is a sense of excitement by organization leaders as they begin to see a change in their culture. Bob Powell
Character Council
Fort Collins, CO

"[The Police Dynamics training] brings us closer together, more like a family … it reminds us of why we’re out there and what it’s about.”
Captain John Decker
Dorchester County Sheriff's Office, SC

"This class gave me the vocabulary that I have been looking for to praise and motivate my employees."
Police Dynamics participant

"We’ve built a much better relationship with each other. We’ve seen a decrease in complaints. We’ve become a family instead of a place to work."
Sheriff Howie Godwin
Highlands County, FL

“This shows us a new approach to recognize employees’ character traits - and to acknowledge them for those good traits versus, 'You did an excellent job…' It’s some fresh ideas in an area that we probably all need to change."
Major P.D. Taylor
Oklahoma County Sheriff's Office

"The Police Dynamics training that Ray Nash brought teaches the things that are at the core of being a good police officer – being trustworthy, being of good character…"
Sgt. Julie Shearer
Cincinnati Police Div.

“In the Police Dynamics training seminar, the officers are able to set a standard in their own lives of the kind of character they want to see in their community."
Chaplain Carl Nelson
Colorado Springs Police Department

"Character is the solution to the real problem in our community of crime. Character supplies the answer."
Hon. F.A. Schad
Former Judge
Burleson, TX

“I want you to know that my international and national career was very much influenced by your lessons and knowing you was of paramount importance for my job and career. Many Romanian police officers are grateful to you and to Character training."
Teofil Parasca
Assistant Superintendent
Arad County Police
Romania

"I would like to work more toward management by principles instead of rules – with an emphasis on character and guiding principles."
Chief Lynn Williams
Chickasha, OK

“We need to return to our basic character traits that made this country great. Ray Nash has the program to do it."
Police Dynamics participant

"This shows us a new approach to recognize those employees’ character traits and to recognize and acknowledge them for those good traits versus, “You did an excellent job…” It’s some fresh ideas in an area that we probably all need to change."
Major P.D. Taylor
Oklahoma County Sheriff's Office

"In the three years prior to our character initiative, we had 42 labor and employee grievances, and seven different lawsuits. In the three years since we put the character initiative in place, we have had two grievances and no lawsuits from employees. I think that, in and of itself, is significant."
Rodney Ray
City Manager
Owasso, OK

"Absolutely fantastic! It reminded me of why I wanted to be a peace officer."
Police Dynamics participant

"the finest value-added training anywhere."
Sheriff David Williams
Tarrant County, TX

"We continue to benefit from your teaching and hire with a strong emphasis on character."
Chief Tom McClain
Willard, MO

"Once again, I feel absolutely indebted to you for the program you have developed and your desire to change the world through the building of better law enforcement officers."
Glen P. Trainor
Undersheriff
Grand County, CO

"Sheriff Ray Nash is an internationally recognized speaker that you and your staff will learn powerful principles from, while enjoying the lesson."
DeWayne Beggs
Sheriff
Cleveland County, OK

"Very comprehensive, a great resource manual for the future. The seminar was dynamic in every way. What a great resource for people throughout their day-to-day routines.”
Doug Carter
Trooper
Indiana State Police