Strategic Courage
Life is full of crossroads, decisions that force us to choose between staying in our comfort zones or taking a leap into the unknown. Whether in leadership, policing, or personal growth, risk-taking is often the key that unlocks new opportunities, innovation, and success.
Let’s be clear: Risk-taking is not about being reckless. It’s about being bold, strategic, and willing to embrace uncertainty for the possibility of something greater. The most effective officers and leaders are not those who avoid risk, but those who learn to manage it wisely. This is strategic courage—the ability to take calculated risks with confidence while balancing vision and sound judgment.
A department that values strategic courage supports officers in making difficult decisions, even when outcomes are uncertain. It encourages initiative, rewards problem-solving, and recognizes that growth comes from stepping forward rather than standing still.
Self-Assessment:
Strategic Courage
Please take a few moments to contemplate the following self-reflection questions. Where can you identify opportunities for personal growth in your leadership approach?
Do I view risk as an opportunity for growth rather than something to fear?
Am I comfortable stepping outside of my comfort zone to pursue new opportunities?
Do I recognize that avoiding all risks can sometimes be riskier than taking a calculated one?
Do I embrace uncertainty with confidence rather than hesitation?
Before taking a risk, do I thoroughly evaluate potential benefits and downsides?
Am I willing to make tough decisions even when they are unpopular?
Can I handle setbacks and failures without losing confidence?
Do I take responsibility for my choices, even when outcomes don’t go as planned?
Use this self-assessment to evaluate your commitment to strategic courage. Reflect on your responses, identify areas for growth, and seek feedback from your ECFL coach or a trusted mentor to strengthen your leadership on and off duty.
In the world of law enforcement, courage is a given. Officers put themselves in harm’s way daily to protect and serve their communities. But beyond the physical risks, officers face another kind of challenge—the need for strategic courage. This is the courage to make bold decisions, challenge outdated methods, and drive meaningful change, even when the path forward is uncertain.
For police officers, this means:
Standing firm on ethical decisions, even when they are unpopular.
Embracing reform and innovation to improve policing methods.
Investing in officer development and well-being, even when resources are tight.
Engaging with the community transparently to build long-term trust.
When approached wisely, risk-taking is the key to unlocking growth, innovation, and long-term success. But how do law enforcement leaders cultivate and demonstrate strategic courage?
Strategic courage is what separates good officers from great leaders. It is not just about taking risks, but about taking the right risks, for the right reasons, at the right time.
A courageous officer:
Makes smart, calculated decisions under pressure.
Challenges ineffective or outdated practices to improve policing.
Builds trust with the community through transparency.
Stands up for ethics and accountability, even when it is difficult.
Adapts to change instead of resisting it.
Leads by example, inspiring those around them.
Courage isn’t just about facing danger—it’s about shaping the future of policing with bold, ethical, and visionary decisions.
“We can choose courage or we can choose comfort, but we can’t have both.”
Risk is an inevitable part of growth, success, and innovation. But not all risks lead to progress. Some push you forward, while others set you back. Understanding your risk-taking style is crucial because it determines how effectively you navigate uncertainty and change.
There are three primary types of risk-takers:
1. The Calculated Risk-Taker – The Strategic Player: These individuals take risks, but only after careful planning. They analyze situations, anticipate potential challenges, and create backup plans to minimize negative outcomes. While they are willing to step outside their comfort zones, they ensure that the odds are in their favor before making a move.
Strengths:
Conduct thorough research before making decisions.
Adapt well by having contingency plans in place.
Balance bold action with smart risk management.
Potential Pitfalls:
May overanalyze and miss opportunities.
Can struggle with quick, instinctive decisions.
Example: A police chief implements a new community policing strategy after reviewing crime trends, gathering input from officers and residents, and testing small-scale initiatives before full deployment.
2. The Fearless Risk-Taker – The Bold Visionary: Fearless risk-takers trust their instincts and move quickly, even without all the answers. They thrive in uncertainty and often see opportunities where others see obstacles.Their willingness to take chances can lead to groundbreaking success, but it can also lead to failure if they overlook major risks.
Strengths:
Unshakable confidence in their vision.
Inspire and rally others around bold ideas.
Quick decision-making, which is valuable in high-pressure situations.
Potential Pitfalls:
May take on too much risk without considering consequences.
Can ignore valuable feedback or warning signs.
Example: An artist quits their secure 9-to-5 job to pursue their creative passion full-time, even though they don’t have immediate financial stability.
3. The Reckless Risk-Taker – The Gambler: Unlike the first two types, reckless risk-takers make impulsive decisions without proper evaluation. Their choices are often driven by emotions or external pressure rather than strategy. They jump blindly, hoping things will work out, but without a solid foundation, failure is far more likely.
Strengths:
Willing to act without hesitation.
Occasionally achieves big wins by taking unexpected risks.
Potential Pitfalls:
Often acts on impulse rather than strategy.
Lacks risk mitigation plans, making failures more damaging.
Can jeopardize financial stability, relationships, or business opportunities
Example: An officer rushes into a dangerous situation alone without calling for backup, putting themselves and others at unnecessary risk.
“Courage is being scared to death, but saddling up anyway.”
The goal is to find the right balance—a mix of calculated strategy and bold confidence. Great leaders don’t avoid risk, they manage it wisely.
Do you tend to overanalyze and miss opportunities? → Lean into boldness.
Do you take big risks without enough preparation? → Slow down and strategize.
Do you act on impulse? → Start assessing risks before making decisions.
The most successful individuals embrace Strategic Courage—the balance between calculation and boldness. This allows them to take risks that lead to meaningful progress.
So, which risk-taker are you? And how can you refine your approach to risk to achieve greater success?
Growth, both as an individual and as a professional, comes from the willingness to take risks. Stepping outside your comfort zone is never easy, but it is where real progress happens. The rewards of taking strategic risks can be life-changing.
Risk Leads to Innovation: Every breakthrough in history, from the invention of the airplane to the rise of social media, happened because someone took a risk. Playing it safe rarely leads to progress.
Risk-Taking Builds Confidence: The more risks you take, the more resilient you become. Each risk—win or lose—teaches you something. Over time, you become more comfortable with uncertainty.
Failure is a Stepping Stone: Avoiding risk may prevent failure, but it also limits success. Setbacks are part of growth, and the most effective leaders and professionals use them as learning opportunities instead of roadblocks.
Now that you know why risk-taking is important, here’s how to do it wisely:
Start Small: Not all risks have to be life-changing. Start with small calculated risks, like speaking up in a meeting, trying a new hobby, or networking with influential people.
Do Your Homework: Gather as much information as possible before making a big decision. Ask yourself:
What’s the worst-case scenario?
What’s the best-case scenario?
What’s my backup plan?
Strengthen Your Tolerance for Discomfort: Risk-taking feels uncomfortable because it is unfamiliar. The more you expose yourself to uncertainty, the easier it becomes to manage.
Surround Yourself with Other Risk-Takers: Work with those who challenge the status quo and focus on solutions. Being around confident decision-makers strengthens your own mindset for strategic courage. Their actions will inspire you to take bolder steps in your own role.
Trust Your Gut: Logic and data are important, but experience also plays a role. When faced with uncertainty, trust in your training, instincts, and decision-making skills.
The biggest risk is never taking one at all. Growth and progress require action.
Strategic courage means knowing when to take risks and how to manage them wisely. Speaking up, making tough decisions, and challenging outdated practices lead to growth and progress. A department that encourages smart risk-taking builds stronger, more confident leaders at every level.
At DPD, taking risks is not about acting recklessly but about making informed decisions that strengthen the department and community. Officers and staff who embrace strategic courage drive innovation, improve policing strategies, and build trust.
In the next session, The Power of Asking Questions, we will explore how thoughtful questioning strengthens leadership, improves decision-making, and fosters trust within the department and the community. What questions are you asking to challenge assumptions, spark conversation, and drive progress?
Enhance your understanding of Strategic Courage by reviewing the following resources. Take this opportunity to enhance your leadership effectiveness and expand your influence within the department and community.
Why Risk Management in Law Enforcement is More Essential Than Ever
Reward the Risk Takers (3:01)
Simon Sinek