One advantage of posting your own blogs is the freedom to express your own thoughts, ideas, and opinions based on your life experiences. Having spent 30 years as a law enforcement officer and 5 years in the corporate world, I have the firm belief that first responders generally make better leaders. There are always exceptions to that rule, but rather than simply throw that personal belief out there…I will back up my view with observations and facts.
Challenges come in different varieties and how those challenges are confronted will shape a person. Life experience is tough to compete with, but what those experiences consist of truly matter. I will be the first to admit that there are some outstanding leaders in the corporate world and small business. They have studied their craft and they treat people well, and focus on the problem at hand while searching for viable solutions. Having the right perspective and the yearning for learning are incredibly important attributes for good leaders.
Let’s circle back on my assertion that first responders generally make better leaders. Those who serve or served in law enforcement, the military, paramedics, or firefighters are hardwired to help others. They endure more traumatic events in a week than most people will witness in their lifetime. That gives them a different perspective on life and how they want to deal with conflict. Cops run towards the trouble and danger when others run away. Firefighters enter the burning buildings as others jump out the windows. Soldiers face danger and often death while suppressing fear and rising to the challenge. Paramedics hold lives in their hands and often see those lives slip through them because there is nothing they can do. It is an old adage, but unless you have walked in their shoes…you can’t adequately visualize their journey.
First responders appreciate everything that they have because they deal with so many people who have so little. They are trained not to panic and to stay calm in very stressful situations. This too comes with experience and knowledge. Imagine suffering a medical issue and having a paramedic say, “Well, there isn’t much I can do for you”. That would not help the problem…or you!
There is always stress when working in the corporate environment, or if you own your own business. I transitioned to a corporate job after being a cop for 30 years and I was surprised with some of the decision making processes and leadership that I encountered. It wasn’t that I didn’t work with some good people…but I believe that we had different perspectives. I was trained and used to looking at the big picture and thinking about how decisions would impact the overall problem 5 steps down the road. Some of my coworkers or supervisors would seem stressed over an issue that seemed pretty insignificant to me. As I told some of them, until you’ve had to tell the parents of a teenager that their child took their own life, you don’t know what stress is.
First responders serve their communities, states, or this nation. They have an innate ability to stand tall during the toughest times. They usually have great communication and problem solving skills because they need them to perform their duties effectively. People like this could be a huge asset to any company willing to give them a chance, while appreciating and accepting that “different” perspective that they may have. They can be a bit stubborn or outspoken because of what they have experienced, but they will also be brutally honest. Isn’t that something that should be encouraged and sought after in any environment? Great leaders want to be challenged and first responders can do that while being completely supportive and loyal to the cause.
Tell me I’m wrong…Again, this is my general belief, but there are always exceptions to the rule.
As always a great post with true insight. Great job Steve.