Shortly after I took office as Sheriff of Dorchester County, we experienced a tragic crime. An armored-car was hi-jacked and one of the guards brutally murdered. Due to an intense investigation and some top-notch forensic work, we were able to identify the murderer and successfully prosecute the case.
Right after the jury came in with their verdict, I sought out my Detective Sergeant (now a Lieutenant) who had handled the crime scene and forensic portion of the case. I knew the conviction was largely due to his efforts and I wanted to recognize him for a job well-done.
So I found him out back of the courthouse and went up to praise him as any good Sheriff should. But instead of praising him for his achievement (gaining the conviction), telling him “good job,” or “keep up the good work,” I praised him for three character qualities. By “pitching” these character qualities, right across the plate so he could catch them, I made the “character connection” and ensured that I sent the right message.
Gaining the conviction was the achievement–the fruit. Character qualities like attentiveness, thoroughness, and diligence were the seeds that produced the fruit. If you focus on the fruit and neglect the seed, you can produce a bad crop. It’s the Law of the Harvest. According to our Character Maxim, if you focus on achievement to the exclusion of character, you encourage bad character.
Watch this short video excerpt from the Police Dynamics Video Training Series as I demonstrate how to use character-based praise to encourage high achievement.
Praising character over competence requires a new vocabulary. The 49 character qualities defined by Character First provide an excellent tool.
Although I have heard some of your stories dozens of times, they are still powerful. Of course I am bias by applauding that you are a champion for character, but I so appreciate that you do it with professionalism and personal excellence. I just mention PD to the Business and Industry Director for a Technology Center. They have the opportunity provide training for a sheriffs office. I told them Character First and Police Dynamics would make a great curriculum. You are making a difference.
Thanks, John. Coming from you that means a lot. I appreciate your support of the Police Dynamics message…