“Hey chief, how’s that mission statement working for you?”

In the years that I have been conducting leadership training for law enforcement, there has rarely been a session where the topic of the police department mission statement has not been raised.  As a matter of fact, my Leading and Influencing for Law Enforcement Supervisors and Managers course begins with attendees having to record their department’s mission statement from memory.  To date, the best response that I have received was when 25% of the supervisors and managers were able to recall most of their mission statement; the worst was when only one attendee out of the 24 could recall their mission.

Alas, the frustration.  A mission statement done right is an excellent tool to enhance decision making consistency.  Stephen R. Covey, in his book “7 Habits of Highly Effective People”, recommended engaging all members of the organization in the creation of the mission statement so that it is familiar to all and, more importantly, so that their involvement drives commitment to its attainment.  Yes, that is time consuming, but to have a statement that is unknown or not followed can be even more problematic.

Let’s keep in mind that a mission statement is a core descriptor of your department’s purpose; the reason that your department exists.  Doesn’t it therefore make sense that everyone knows what it says?

So, chief, I am throwing down a simple 3-step challenge:

1.       Right now, without looking it up, write your department’s mission statement.

2.       Next, approach one of your direct-reports and ask them to do the same.

3.       Lastly, contact one of your patrol officers at random (be honest, don’t go to one studying for the sergeant’s exam) and ask them if they can tell you the mission of the department.

That’s it.  If you get three favorable responses, congratulations, you have done a great job reinforcing the purpose and function of your department and you have increased the likelihood of receiving mission-aligned behaviors at the front-line.  If, however, taking the above challenge has identified a weak link, I encourage you to re-emphasize the mission in your formal and informal communication.

When your expectations are clear, understood, and reinforced there will be increased certainty at the front-line.  A well-ingrained mission statement is one powerful step in that direction.