of our leaders.” Professional competence includes a solid grasp of the methods, processes, procedures, and techniques of a leaders organization. This competence can be everything from “rocket science to parking tickets,” without it leaders quickly lose the respect of their followers and find it difficult to make well-informed decisions. Certainly it is critical that given the pace of law enforcement, leaders are capable of making intelligent, quick strategies that solve problems. Make good decisions or you wont be around long as a boss. Genius is not required, above average intelligence is. Typically we imagine leaders doing only exciting things, letting others do the real work. This mental frame ignores the hard reality that being the boss isn’t easy. High levels of energy are needed physical vitality helps leaders overcome the often unrelenting demands of leadership. Drive to excel, high desire for achievement, outstanding leaders drive themselves and their organizations to complete challenging assignments and achieve extraordinary results. OH #6 Traits of Leaders. Carl Watson and Carl Chimers (UC-Santa Cruz) tell us that confident leaders are more successful than ones who lack confidence. Self-confidence is important because confident leaders remain calm under pressure, persist doggedly in the face of adversity, and act boldly and confidently which helps encourage and embolden followers. A person riddled with self-doubt may not be able to act effectively under pressure or command respect of followers. “By demonstrating grace under pressure, the best leaders inspire those around them to stay calm and act intelligently.” (K. Labich.) People who lack emotional stability are more prone to moodiness, angry outbursts, and inconsistent behavior. This undermines their relationships with followers, peers, and superiors. Highly successful leaders, on the other hand, remain even-tempered and are calm, confide...
