Corrections_Today_Winter_2024-2025_Vol.86_No.4

BOOKSHELF

responsibility in helping to shape individuals, teams and organizations. A quote from this chapter provides volumes in a sentence, “Leadership begins first, with knowing who you are. That knowledge leads to self confidence and understanding what you can do.’ Powerful stuff. The journey goes on in developing a view on leadership. The chapter starts with the saying that leadership is a multifaceted concept. And the multifaceted leader learns to respect the views of others. They value the diversity of thought which comes from others and appreciates how smart and good leaders learn to incorporate those thoughts and concepts to crystallize their own thoughts. When Schofield says, “It is crucial we remain open-minded, adaptable, and receptive to evolving perspectives,” allowing leadership to be dynamic and meeting the needs of the organization. Leadership is critical to the success of any organization, but as critical is the ability to grow and adapt. I once was fortunate to work with an Associate Warden who stretched everyone with whom he came in contact. This person had a reading list, which was always changing but remaining about 50 books long. He continually told those whom he was leading and in this case to one who was supervising him, we had to be lifelong learners to stay relevant. I was thankful I did not have to participate in his once-a-month discussions of the latest leadership book. Through this practice, he continually reinforced the concept of learning from each other. He believed he had a responsibility to make a positive to make a positive difference

through the lives of others. In our business this continual learning provides the basis for us to lead each other into danger. Embracing character and diversity The next chapter is probably one which reminds me of the days I was a Boy Scout on a journey to become an Eagle. It is astounding how many of the attributes in this chapter mirror those found in the Scout Law, none more important than trustworthiness. But as you read the chapter, you find concepts like Integrity, ethical decision making, role modeling, resilience and accountability, influence, and inspiration. Leaders who create strong character provide those who desire to do well with a strong foundation for team members to achieve. They have creditability. It allows the leader to demonstrate that they care for others, make people feel special and make them feel included. If you are in a position of leadership, this includes staff and offenders. Over the years I have found most of the time if you provide people with the information, explain it as your own, and provide an opportunity for comment, staff and inmates generally get it Many moons ago we locked down the prison because of a decision made outside our realm of responsibility. This institution was quite large with many living areas, and although I was continually walking the institution, there was no way to get to see every staff member and offender. I knew honest communication with both groups

was essential to keep everyone safe. A colleague of mine told me to write everyone a letter each day to articulate what was happening and what would happen the next day if everyone kept their heads. And that is what I started to do. Every day of the ten days we remained on lockdown, I wrote a letter to all staff and a separate letter to all the offenders. I learned the valuable lesson of doing something outside the box. A lot of staff thought I was crazy, and perhaps I was, but it worked. Leadership is critical to the success of any organization, but as critical is the ability to grow and adapt. Dr. Schofield discusses diversity, indicating in his opening sentence, diversity goes beyond the visible traits of race, gender, or ethnicity. By embracing diversity, leaders show those who are around they understand the power and influence of people having different experiences and cultural values. Diversity includes inclusion and belonging. Everyone needs to be able to see the ball game, but if they have the talent and ability, play the game. When everyone can play, the team is stronger.Embracing diversity allows leaders to tell everyone they are important and what they have to say is important. Embracing diversity also allows leaders to provide an atmosphere where a difference of opinion was appreciated and encouraged.

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Winter 2024-2025 | Corrections Today

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