We generally think of situational awareness in terms of tactical situations, but not necessarily in strategic situations. Let me suggest that we, as leaders, need to have situational awareness both tactically and strategically. Strategic situational awareness requires leaders to be alert to our surroundings, to respond safely and correctly to benefit our employees, our community, and our profession. This includes looking to non-traditional sources to evaluate how we need to change.
Economists have recognized a trait in consumers known as customer lock in. This is a phenomenon where when customers buy into a proprietary product it makes it harder to leave the company that is providing the service because what you have purchased will become obsolete. “Lock in” may occur due to loyalty built to a brand or by having so much invested in the proprietary product that it is difficult to leave.
We are creatures of comfort, we like our brand, we like what we are used to functioning with even when it is not the best product or the best price.
The question for law enforcement leaders is are we allowing this to happen in our industry? Are we sticking with products due solely to the propriety, even though a better price and product exist? Are we doing training the same way we always have because we are comfortable with it? Are there better ways to train our personnel to have a larger benefit? Are there new understandings of how our minds function that can benefit the wellness of our employees?
Our workforce is changing, the context of our work is changing, we need to be leaders that are situationally aware and be willing to change for the good of our employees, our communities and our profession. Change is hard, but beneficial. Not changing is easy but may be destructive. Leaders need to lead. Take the time to assess your situation. Can improvement be made. Take the steps to start that improvement today.
Leaders open themselves up to new ideas, new information and new paths to reach our goals. When you are situationally aware, accepting new ideas, we will grow as leaders.