This is an often-asked question at trainer conferences and instructor development schools. Traits that most often make the list are passion, credibility, knowledge and humility.  I am going to suggest it is Curiosity. I believe trainers are in one of the most influential leadership positions in any organization and this is why Curiosity is the same trait I wrote about last year for the Dare to Be Great leadership blog about as the most important trait for leaders.  Why Curiosity? Curiosity keeps your mind, eyes and ears open to new ideas and better ways to … [Read more...]

In the 31 years I have been involved in training law enforcement professionals I have made a lot of mistakes. Last week I wrote about my greatest regret as a trainer. I also did some smart things as a trainer and this week I wanted to share 5 of the smart things I have done over my training career. I become a student of the mind and the mind-body connection.  In the early years of my involvement in delivering training with the Calgary Police Service I took an interest in the mental preparation and conditioning component of a 40 hour in-service Officer Safety course we had … [Read more...]

On a recent Excellence in Training Course someone asked me what my biggest mistake as a trainer was. The question caught me off guard. Not because I think I am perfect. I have made a lot of mistakes as a trainer and actually mention at the start of the course that the Excellence in Training philosophy has partially evolved due to all the misstates I have made as a trainer. I freely admit that if you can make a mistake as a trainer, I likely have made it. It caught me off guard because i have never been asked that question before. I answered the question, but then continued to reflect on both … [Read more...]

There is a movement to criticize, punish, fire and even criminally charge an officer who fails to turn on his or her body worn camera at a call. The question for you as a trainer, and for your organization is, “Have they actually be trained to activate their camera?” If you say yes, then how were they trained and conditioned to activate it and under what circumstances? Remember, there is a difference between “having attended training” and “being trained”. When you implemented body worn cameras what training did you do to condition your officers to activate the cameras? Was it a lecture in a … [Read more...]

“In any profession we must grapple with systems, resources, circumstances, people - and our own shortcomings as well. Yet somehow we must advance, we must refine, we must improve.” Atul Gawande, MD As trainers you are constantly grappling with mandates, directives and training priorities from POST boards, governmental bodies and your agency’s executives. What is a priority for training can change quickly and too often be driven by the current political climate and whatever is the topic of the day. Yet somehow you must advance, you must refine, you must improve. You grapple with … [Read more...]

"Teachers should prepare the student for the student's future, not for the teacher's past." Richard Hamming As an Academy trainer are you preparing people for the challenges you faced “back in the day”, or for the normal of now, and the future they will likely be facing out on the street?  The world is constantly changing. Laws change, policies change, technology changes, how people use technology to communicate and conduct business changes, bosses change, people change, priorities change, knowledge changes and expectations change. The criminal element is continually learning … [Read more...]

"Unlike an elevator, no one can push your buttons without your permission once you understand what triggers you. Self-knowledge is power." Peg Streep There are three key elements to this quote by Peg Streep: No one can push your buttons without your permission.Understand what triggers you.Self-knowledge is power. Lets start with point #2 - Understand what triggers you. Trainers need to teach this concept, starting at the academy, to help officers reflect on and identify their triggers; the things people could say to them that would push their buttons and cause them to lose their … [Read more...]

From a news report last week: “a recruit fell unconscious during a boxing bout with a fellow classmate.” “The recruit was taken to a hospital where he later died.” Why are we still doing boxing in training?  I am not opposed to teaching boxing fundamentals such striking, power development, movement, etc. I am however, strongly opposed to boxing programs where officers are put into a ring and actually box. The intent behind this type of training is usually to expose officers to physical confrontation; to put them in an environment where they will experience interpersonal human … [Read more...]

If you have followed my writing for a while you know I am a big fan of Seth Godin. I have read a number of his books, listened to podcast interviews and online talks and I subscribe to his daily blog. In a recent blog post he wrote about the difference between Education and Learning.  From education to learning  Education is the hustle for a credential. It exchanges compliance for certification. An institution can educate you. Learning can’t be done to you. It is a choice and it requires active participation, not simple adherence to metrics. Learning is the only place to … [Read more...]

Is the focus of your skills and tactics training on Technique or Principles and Concepts? An understanding of technique is important. I believe an understanding of fundamental principles and concepts, such as balance, power and mobility, are more important to focus on.  Why do I think principles and concepts are more important to focus on? Technique often requires a specific set of conditions in order to be applied properly. Principles and concepts can be applied across a broad range of environmental factors, situations and conditions. Technique often breaks down under time … [Read more...]