All Around Tactical

When we are constrained by time, our ability to make decisions is greatly impacted, often resulting in an increase in risk to ourselves, the suspect, and the public.

In a risky situation, one of the most valuable things we can do is buy ourselves time.

More time can allow us to call for additional resources, develop a plan, allow the suspect the opportunity to potentially calm down a bit, establish containment, evacuate bystanders, and so on.

We can purchase time by creating distance, getting behind cover, disengaging, and allowing ourselves the opportunity to slow down.

Obviously this doesn't apply when a member of the public or an officer is in imminent danger, however, if we have the chance to buy time, do your best to take it.

High Performance Skill: Being Coachable.

By demonstrating you are able to receive constructive criticism, you establish your credibility as an effective team player.

These are our tips for how to receive feedback:

1) Put your ego aside. The feedback is about your behaviour, not a personal attack on your character.

2) Listen without interrupting. Let the sender convey what they need to say. You should have a chance for questions at the end.

3) Seek to fully understand. Is the message straightforward, or is there an underlying issue that brought this up? Understand the concern from the sender's perspective.

4) Plan for success. What does success look like, and how can you achieve it?

As leaders, we need to demonstrate and encourage the behaviours we expect from our followers.