Teamwork
Larry’s Leadership Lineup
Trust is built through experience. It is not gained through lectures, promises or good intentions. Recently, I observed a team that added to their infrastructure of trust. It began with a crisis and ended with excellence. The day began as normal but in the course of a few minutes, it was filled with multiple situations that required teamwork and sacrifice. This team answered the call and ventured out of their comfort zones to accomplish the mission at hand.
The mission or task is not what built trust on this team. The willingness to act decisively and selflessly for the good of another and for the overall benefit of the team is what mattered. Once the crisis was over, each member involved knew that they could depend on one another. They knew this not because of a speech, talk or passionate conversation. They had experienced what it felt like for their teammates to deliver in the midst of a storm.
We talk a lot about trust, but do we look for ways to turn our words into action? Do we consistently come through for others when they need us? Do we look for ways to do good? Can we be depended upon to sacrifice ourselves for others when there is no recognition or gain for us?
Dr. Larry Little
Eagle Center for Leadership
Effective teamwork is the cornerstone of the Decatur Police Department's success in ensuring the safety and well-being of our community. When we work efficiently as a team, we enhance safety, improve performance, strengthen communication, boost morale, and make our police department more successful.
“If you want your people to be responsible, be responsive to their needs.”
At the heart of our teamwork lies the core principles of communication and coachability.
Clear, concise, and consistent communication is vital in our operations. It enables us to share critical information quickly, make informed decisions, and coordinate our efforts efficiently. Whether it is in the field during an emergency, in meetings for strategic planning, or in daily interactions, effective communication builds trust, reduces misunderstandings, and enhances our overall efficiency.
Coachability means being open to feedback, eager to learn, and willing to adapt. In the Decatur Police Department, we embrace this mindset by encouraging officers to seek guidance, share experiences, and refine our skills on a routine basis. This attitude not only helps each of us do our job better but also makes the entire team stronger and more prepared to handle the diverse and dynamic challenges that come our way.
Together, communication and coachability create a strong foundation for teamwork. They enable us to leverage our collective strengths, overcome obstacles, and achieve our shared mission of serving and protecting the City of Decatur community with excellence and integrity.
