Leadership Traits

In 2006, the Minneapolis Police Department undertook some research looking at Leadership Traits in their officers. This data was analysed and rated by frequency of mention by other officers. The top 15 positive and negative mentioned are listed below.


Top Positive Leadership Traits

1.Fair – No favouritism, evaluations (appraisals & reviews)

2.Knowledge – Of job, smart, on policy & procedure, what’s expected of them

3.Honesty

4.Communication – Open, Effective, Know when to speak, Good interpersonal skills

5.Decisions – Make one, quick, good, tough, does right thing,

6.Involve Troops (people), standing behind decisions, shares it

7.Consistency

8.Experience – street minimum 5-10 years, earned their way

9.Support – growth, officers, personal & professional develop

10.Trust – Believe in officers, is trustworthy themselves

11.Integrity

12.Common Sense

13.Flexibility

14.Respect – Treats officers (teams/ people) with, earns it themselves

15.Approachability


Top Negative Leadership Traits

1.Micro Manage – Does

2.Favouritism – Friendship first, plays them

3.Selfish – Self centred, self serving, self promoting

4.Indecisive – Second guessing

5.Inconsistent – Shift priorities

6.Knowledge – Pretend to know everything, never wrong, not of job, know-it-all

7.Decisions – Not making any, emotional, inability to make any

8.Vindictive

9.Communication – Poor, non communicator, dishonest

10.Hypocritical – “Do as I say, not as I do”

11.Close Minded – Not open to suggestions, won’t change mind

12.Dishonest

13.Discipline – Selective, more concerned with, group vs. individual, double standards, name calling, not recognition, heavy handed

14.Inexperience

15.Responsibility – Not taking, shirks it

Taking the time to ask our people what traits they like and dislike in their leaders can be a valuable first step in any leadership development programme.