Corrections_Today_Fall_2025_Vol.87_No.3

Introduction T he Florida Department of Corrections (FDC), through the Office of Community Corrections, recognizes that the strength and future of our organization rely heavily on the quality of our leadership. Our people are our greatest asset, and our leaders serve as the vital link between policy and practice. As the saying goes, “Leadership is not about being in charge. It is about taking care of those in your charge.” In our profession — where decisions affect public safety, staff morale, and the successful reintegration of those under supervision — strong, ethical, and adaptive leadership is not a luxury; it is a necessity. The vision behind this initiative was clear: to establish a formal pathway for leadership development that supports our mission, promotes ethical

The result of that vision was the creation of a com prehensive weeklong leadership training program. Developed with input from experienced leaders and grounded in real-world application, the training equips supervisors with the skills and tools they need to lead with confidence and competence. It acknowledges that the transition from officer to supervisor is not just a change in title — it’s a fundamental shift in mindset, requiring a deeper understanding of people, purpose, and leadership. The inaugural class, held in 2021, welcomed 74 supervisors from across Florida. Representing diverse backgrounds and regions, these supervisors helped shape the foundation of the program through their active participation and valuable feedback. Since then, we have continued to offer the training every six months, refin ing class size to enhance the experience. What began with over seventy attendees has evolved into smaller sessions of around thirty-five, allowing for more focused discussions, meaningful peer interaction, and greater individual engagement. The training experience From the moment participants arrive, the training is framed not as a classroom or seminar, but as a profes sional development experience. Over the course of the week, supervisors are immersed in discussions, group exercises, leadership scenarios, and reflective learn ing. Each day builds upon the last, guiding participants through a progression that begins with foundational leadership principles and ends with a renewed sense of identity and purpose as a leader. At the outset, the training introduces the concept of leadership in the context of Community Corrections. It explores the differences between managing tasks and leading people. Supervisors examine the evolution of their role, from colleague to coach, and begin to understand the broader implications of their decisions. This early stage of the training sets the tone for the rest of the week by rein forcing the idea that leadership is not just about authority — it is about influence, integrity, and accountability. As the training progresses, the focus turns toward communication. Supervisors explore what it means to truly listen, how to deliver constructive feedback, and how to build trust within their teams. The lessons

decision-making, and builds a strong, shared leadership culture across the state.

Approximately four years ago, the Office of Community Corrections made a deliberate and forward-thinking decision to invest in cultivating the next generation of leaders. Recognizing a critical need for consistency, accountability, and professional growth at the supervisory level, we launched a dedi cated training program specifically for newly promoted or entry-level Community Corrections supervisors. The vision behind this initiative was clear: to establish a formal pathway for leadership development that sup ports our mission, promotes ethical decision-making, and builds a strong, shared leadership culture across the state.

Opposite page: Photo courtesy Florida Department of Corrections

Fall 2025 | Corrections Today

53