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Next-Gen Leadership: Why all great leaders possess emotional intelligence and resilience

By mastering these traits, police leaders can address 98% of the challenges they face in their roles

This final episode of “Next-Gen Leadership: Solutions for Today’s Police Supervisors” summarizes key principles covered throughout the series.

Gene Reid, Ph.D., a seasoned police veteran and founder of Reid Training Solutions, highlights the importance of emotional intelligence and resilience as foundational elements of effective leadership. Reid emphasizes that while various theories and principles discussed in previous episodes are valuable, focusing on emotional intelligence and resilience can significantly enhance leadership capabilities.

Key learning points

  1. Effective leadership requires self-awareness, emotion management, social awareness and relationship management.
  2. Adding optimism and mental agility enhances the framework of emotional intelligence.
  3. Leadership doesn’t have to be overly complicated; focusing on fundamental principles can lead to substantial results.
  4. Effective leadership is about positively influencing and adding value to a group.
  5. Starting with emotional intelligence and resilience provides a strong foundation, with room for fine-tuning and further development.

Questions for discussion

  1. What are the key components of emotional intelligence as outlined by Gene Reid?
  2. How does resilience complement emotional intelligence in effective leadership?
  3. Why does Gene Reid believe focusing on emotional intelligence and resilience can cover 98% of effective leadership?
  4. What other theories and principles were discussed in the series, and how do they integrate with emotional intelligence and resilience?
  5. How can police supervisors apply the principles of emotional intelligence and resilience in their daily work environment?

NEXT: Have you ever wondered how emotional intelligence can make you a better officer? In this Policing Matters podcast episode, we explore how this essential skill can transform your approach to policing and help you excel on and off duty. Listen to the full episode.

NEXT-GEN LEADERSHIP: SOLUTIONS FOR TODAY’S POLICE SUPERVISORS
Gain insights into how recognizing and managing your emotions can lead to more effective decision-making and crisis management
Acknowledging one’s limitations is not a sign of weakness but a stepping stone to becoming an effective leader
Explore strategies to address small issues within police teams before they escalate, promoting a culture of accountability and efficiency
Discover how leaders can foster an environment that embraces innovative ideas from officers at all levels
Should leadership styles change when leading peers?
Learn about the crucial need to grasp and transform paradigms, emphasizing persistent effort in cultivating habits that strengthen leadership abilities
Learn how mental agility helps leaders adapt to change, overcome challenges and turn adverse situations into positive outcomes
By prioritizing their own health, leaders strengthen their ability to support and sustain the wellness of their team
Grasping these concepts helps in interpreting officers’ statements and actions during investigations
By mastering these traits, police leaders can address 98% of the challenges they face in their roles

Gene Reid is a police sergeant for the New Castle County (Del.) Police Department. Gene is currently assigned to the Professional Standards Unit and is highly active with the department’s officer wellness initiatives. Before being promoted, Gene was assigned to the Criminal Investigations Unit for over six years.



Gene holds a Ph.D. in criminal justice, with a specific focus on stress management and resilience. Gene also has an MS in education and a BS in public safety administration. Gene is an avid fitness enthusiast who trains Jiu-Jitsu and has completed numerous triathlons, including Ironman Maryland.



He is the founder of Reid Training Solutions and recently published “Police Leadership Redefined - The EQ Advantage: Transforming Law Enforcement with Emotional Intelligence.”