They are heavy on follow-through and always have the end result in the front of their mind. They possess a work history that reflects an ability to manage and supervise complex tasks through effective delegation and influence. But no written policy and no rule of conduct serves as a better motivator than the leader who provides the proper example of industriousness. There are those in positions of law enforcement leadership who possess a work ethic that places individual accomplishment and personal recognition above mission accomplishment, teamwork and subordinate development. It is demonstrative and performance-based.
Initiative demonstrates a desire to move forward and solve problems.
Those in positions of leadership who lack initiative are often those most fearful of conflict, criticism, failure and risk taking. Fear may appear to be nothing more than an apathetic attitude, but in terms of front-line leadership, fear and apathy are close companions. An officer who is allowed to consider a ticket a day the equivalent of initiative is misinformed as well as misled. Law enforcement professionals can no longer afford to associate the concept of initiative with writing a citation or completing a field interview. Leaders must establish and model activity that goes beyond daily duties and assignments to encourage activity and initiative consistent with the long-term goals of a modern law enforcement agency.