Stripes and Bars AMAURY MURGADO
BE SPECIFIC If you don't clearly state exactly how and when a task needs to be done, you may well regret it. SUPERVISORS MUST BE SPECIFIC when they communicate, or you don't have a leg to stand on if things don't go as expected. expect to pay the price for not doing so. I have seen such situaFor example, we use "ASAP" to mean "right now." It actutions blow up in many a supervisor's face, including my own. ally means "as soon as possible and not before." A crafty maSpecificity is important for three main reasons: to ensure the nipulator who misses a deadline might tell you he was busy success of the task, to eliminate any questionable officer is- and that it wasn't possible. Instead of using "ASAP," be more sues, and in case disciplinary actions become required. specific and nail down a deadline. No one can argue with In order to ensure successful task completion, your in- "have it done by 1500." Your subordinate still might miss the structions must include all the key elements needed for mark, but she can't use your own words against you. Try to success. For example, "I need a list of at least 10 handgun include, "If I can help you in any way or you have any questraining topics, written in memo format, by Friday, Feb. 6, tions please talk with me." This phrase helps close the door 2015, no later than 1300." This example covers what, how, on most excuses. and when. The only way anyone can fail in this assignment In person, I like to have my instructions repeated back to is by failing to provide one of the elements. me. This helps me check for understanding. If they can't put But it's OK to have a broader focus as long as your instruc- it in their own words, you may have to alter your instructions. tions establish guidelines. "I need you to come up with eight Don't ever assume someone understands. Confirm they do. hours of handgun training focusing on firing from cover, As a young sergeant, I counseled one of my subordinates malfunctions drills, and reloading under stress" is a good during a difficult child custody battle. I was concerned beexample. Here, the person is free to cause anything to do with children is design any drill he or she likes, as long IF YOU LEFT WIGGLE ROOM wrought with emotion and tends to as it stays within your guidelines. IN YOUR INSTRUCTIONS, cloud a person's judgment. If not hanI also recommend any additional dled in the right way, these circumYOU DON'T HAVE A LEG instructions that might help you stances drift toward discipline issues. TO STAND ON IF THINGS manage your task. Stating, "I need I thought I had made it clear when I DON'T GO AS EXPECTED. a lesson plan by Wednesday, Feb. 6, stated, "Don't do anything stupid." 2015, no later than 1600, and a walkLong story short, he didn't heed through of the drills at the range on any of my warnings and found himThursday, Feb. 7, 2015, at 0900" works well. Adding addition- self in trouble; the least of which included insubordination. al instructions helps keep you on top of the task and check After the dust settled, I was advised that since I gave him no progress. But you may be accused of micromanaging. specific orders, there was not enough grounds to cite him Having a hand in what you are trying to accomplish is for insubordination. I learned early that saying something part of leadership. Trying to control every aspect of a task is like "Don't do anything stupid," is not specific enough and not. Being specific is not micromanaging. therefore useless. But be advised that questionable officers take a mile when Communicating as a supervisor either in person or in you give them an inch. They are masters of deflection and writing is more involved than you may think. Not being take everything you say literally. These subordinates teach specific enough will often cost you the very things you are you the hard way that words have meaning so you better trying to accomplish. At the end of the day, mission accompick and choose wisely. At the first sign of trouble, these offi- plishment is a supervisor's responsibility. Being specific is a cers will fall back to, "But I did what you said." Of course your very big part of that. next comment will most likely be, "You know what I meant!" The counter to "You know what I meant" is often, "I only Amaury Murgado is a special operations lieutenant with the know what you said." All supervisors will experience some Osceola County (Fla.) Sheriff's Office. He is a retired master version of this at some point in their careers. You learn it be- sergeant from the Army Reserve, has over 28 years of law encomes a framework for dodging responsibility. If you weren't forcement experience, and has been a lifelong student of marspecific enough and left wiggle room in your instructions, tial arts.
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POLICE FEBRUARY 2015