Authentic Leadership: Mastering the Leap into Law Enforcement Leadership with Integrity and Impact
A conversation with Eric Tung
In a recent episode (#490) of The Protectors® Podcast recorded jointly with Blue Grit Radio (#86), Eric Tung, a police leader from a sizable department, shared his insights on advancing into senior leadership roles within law enforcement. Eric discussed the unique challenges and rewards that come with moving up in the ranks, offering a deep dive into the essential leadership qualities and strategies that have shaped his career. He also touched on the importance of emotional intelligence and the impact of effective communication within the force. This episode is a must-listen for anyone in law enforcement looking to develop their leadership skills or for those simply interested in the dynamics of effective police management. Eric's experiences and advice provide a compelling roadmap for cultivating a successful leadership style in this demanding field.
On Taking On The Role
Taking on your first leadership role in law enforcement is much more than a step up in rank—it's a journey into the heart of what it means to be both a leader and a human being. When you step into this role, every conversation, even those casual chats in the hallway, suddenly carry new weight.
As Eric remarked, "Yeah, you do have to think about it. You have to know your audience and all of a sudden your audience got bigger. Right, the little conversation you're having in the hallway. Maybe someone's taking more interest now, maybe they're more attuned. And maybe it's not even intentional, it's just because, oh, the boss is down the way I'm going to mind what I'm saying.”
This shift means that the eyes and ears of your team are now more keenly tuned to what you say and do. This isn't about walking on eggshells; rather, it's about understanding the impact of your presence and words in a deeper, more nuanced way.
Training for such a role often focuses on things like protocols and procedures, and understandably so. But as vital as these are, they don't always cover the softer skills that are equally crucial. Emotional intelligence (EQ), often greeted with eye rolls, actually plays a fundamental role in leadership. Reflecting on this, Eric noted, "You know, with every promotion you have to go through a certain number of hours and while some people might roll their eyes, you know a lot of it centered on EQ. You know emotional intelligence, but at the same time people roll their eyes. You know they need to ask themselves hey, did you have bosses? That didn't seem to give a crap, right? Do you have bosses that didn't seem to want to try to communicate with you in any kind of way that would work with you?"
Good leadership is rooted in good relationships. It’s about more than giving orders; it involves listening, empathy, and respect. "Then let's talk about EQ, like it's just simple dynamics, like talking to people, caring about people and showing you care, right. But in those conversations you're talking about building trust and communication. But it takes two, right, and you can certainly demonstrate that. I think, as the leader, you have to put yourself out there first and meet your people where they are. But it can be tricky, especially depending on all the different types of people and history and all those things,” shared Eric.
This idea of meeting people where they are is pivotal. Each team member comes with their own story, strengths, and struggles. A successful leader recognizes this diversity and works to understand and adapt to these individual nuances, ensuring that their leadership style resonates on a personal level with each team member.
Ultimately, stepping into leadership is about becoming a version of yourself that others can rely on and turn to—not just for guidance, but also for motivation and support. It’s about being more human, more approachable, and showing that you truly care about the welfare and success of the people you are privileged to lead. In doing so, you don’t just command respect; you cultivate a spirit of loyalty, enthusiasm, and mutual respect that transcends the everyday tasks of law enforcement, fostering a workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered.