Recently I was asked the question of what is the biggest problem for the newly promoted sergeant. I sat there knowing my answer but decided to listen to the preconceived ideas that the others in the conversation had. One response was that the newly promoted sergeant often is not properly trained. Good one! This carries a lot of merit. Of course the ever present, the sergeant is the first line supervisor but does not carry the clout of the command staff. So how critical is that statement anyway? OK, good one again, correct they are always on the ground, up-front in the action, close and personal with the incident. But what is the real answer, to me? In reality some lack the fortitude, moxy or whatever you want to call it that separates them from being just one of the watch. For my input, they need to quit trying to win popularity contests and lead.
This is not pretty
Leadership is not a pretty thing if you are the one doing it and you are under fire. This is not the glamorous lifestyle some pretend that it is. It is demanding, hard work that is often thankless. One thing that most chiefs do not do is the last ceremonial question before the promotion. I always inquire one last time of the prospective promotion; do you know what you are asking for and do you still want this promotion? If they say yes, well now I have your commitment. There have been times that I have reminded some that they told me they actually wanted this position, now they got it. So be careful what you ask for in life, like a promotion. You may get it and it may be more than you bargained for.
What most sergeants do is not separate themselves from the pack. Yes, I have been a sergeant twice in this lifetime. Once as a US Army Military Policeman and the other for my old department, so I know what it is like to make sergeant and serve as one. No book research needed here. Yes, I agree that we should train our sergeants as soon as possible. Several departments I know send senior FTOs and corporals to the supervision schools before they are promoted to sergeant. This is a brilliant idea for they have some preparation prior to the appointment. However, not all departments can have this luxury.
The MVP to departmental success
The vast majority of commanders and chiefs will tell you that the success of a department often rests upon the shoulders of their sergeants. These are the men and women that carry out the orders, make sure the work is done properly, and keep the department and its officers out of harm's and liability's way. They are the direct connection to success and failure. Most will not disagree on this... that is if the sergeants are doing their job! Often the sergeant has to make those on the spot corrections, write-up officers for breaches of discipline and set your work ethic. This is not a popularity contest, nor should it ever be. Any good officer will tell you that they want a sergeant that is there to protect them from danger and keep them straight. A sergeant that is tough but fair is more respected than the one who wants to be your buddy. Another failure for young sergeants is to join in on the bad mouthing of the command staff or the agency. They should be the first ones to defend the very department that they are leading. Yes, I said they are leading, for the sergeant must exhibit pride in the department and respect for his command staff. If he or she lowers themselves to join in tearing down the department, they are validating the behavior. So if it is okay for the Sarge Buddy to make fun of a commander, then Sarge, it is perfectly fine for the officers to make fun of you. Recall, you validated the action.
The reality statement here is that being a sergeant is the hardest job in the chain of command. It can be the most crucial and critical to all who serve for him/her and with him/her. I will always believe that the sergeant is the most critical link to success. I will also say if they are not performing, they too are the most direct link to failure. If you are a sergeant, I commend you. If you are testing or desire to be one, work hard for the rewards are great to all who serve with you. Just remember, this is not a popularity contest. It matters not how many cards you get on your birthday, but that your officers are serving with honor on that day. That is what makes you different.
