In policing, the “command and control” approach tends to carry weight. It’s the default style of leadership, and policing is a profession mired in tradition, at times resistant to change. As agencies modernize, good leaders understand that while being that loudest voice in the room may meet short-term goals, it’s ultimately counterproductive to a visionary leader’s long-term success.
The Cost of Ego in Leadership
When leaders operate from a place of ego, it typically manifests as a rigid, authoritarian or micromanagement approach. This may seem conducive to high-pressure environments like policing, but in practice it creates a toxic, patriarchal culture. Authoritarian leadership reduces trust and produces fear. Officers begin to see themselves as expendable subordinates, not crucial partners working toward a shared mission. The end result? Burnout, poor culture, low retention, and a disconnect between leadership and the team, which manifests externally into a disconnect with the public.
That’s problematic in any workplace. In policing, it’s especially dangerous. Officers are already under pressure to perform in high-stakes situations. When they lack the safety to express vulnerability, seek nonjudgmental guidance, or make mistakes, they will not perform at their best. Trust erodes both within the agency and throughout the larger community, putting lives at risk.
Here’s where an emotionally intelligent leadership approach changes the game. By tapping into the deeper, more empathic side of human connection, leaders hone the ability to acknowledge and manage their own emotions, while also understanding and creating space for the emotions of those around them. It’s not about quieting the “squeaky wheel” or checking a box. It’s about creating an environment that promotes genuine collaboration, mutual respect and well-being, all of which are essential for effective policing, and all of which enable officers to not only excel in their current roles, but to thrive and grow.
What is Emotional Intelligence (EQ) and Why Does it Matter in Policing?
EQ is the ability to perceive, manage, and evaluate emotions through five key components: self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation toward collective goals, compassion, and strong social skills.
These skills are not the dreaded “soft skills,” the mention of which makes many a police leader cringe. They are vital elements of the job. Officers need to manage their stress, navigate complex human connections, and make split-second decisions with far-reaching consequences. Leaders must be held to the same standard: a leader with high EQ can balance the urgent need for action with the responsibility of deeply listening and maintaining a compassionate, genuine approach to conflict resolution.
The Transformative Power of EQ-Driven Leadership in Policing
Shifting from “command and control” mode to EQ isn’t easy, particularly in a culture like policing, steeped in hierarchical structures, patriarchal mindsets, and a longstanding stigma around showing vulnerability. But the culture is changing. Emotional intelligence is gaining recognition as being just as important as tactical skill. Leaders who embrace this are not only ahead of the curve, but are putting their agency culture on track to retain and recruit the best of the best. Emotionally intelligent leaders create a ripple effect that touches every part of the agency. A team built on trust, safety and collaboration is a team in the truest sense.
ProjectPACT provides agencies and their communities with leadership development that emphasizes emotional intelligence, conflict resolution, and a collaborative approach to public safety. It’s not about transforming an individual leader, but about creating an entire ecosystem where all community stakeholders feel valued, heard, understood, and empowered to take an active role in community well-being. We provide consultation and training that helps agencies focus on:
· Enhanced decision-making and problem-solving
· Stronger relationships with the community
· A shared vision for public safety
· A healthier, more collaborative workplace culture
· Long-term vision over short-term wins
By prioritizing EQ over ego, we build stronger, more compassionate police agencies, capable of transforming not just the profession, but the communities they serve. It’s time for leaders to move from ego-driven to EQ. The future of public safety depends on it.
