BPL#5 – Building Resilience In Those You Lead - Chief John Perez
Aug 2, 2023
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Chief John Perez, retired Chief of Police for the Pasadena California Police Department talks about building resilience in employees, creating resilience in the workforce, resilience in individuals and institutions, building resilience in an unpredictable job, and building resilience in those you lead. Topics include stress inoculation, impact of socio-economic conditions on resilience, adapting use of force training, leadership, trust, cooperation, purpose and passion, engaging with the community, and maintaining positive habits and mindset.
Educating individuals about resilience and providing them with skills to develop it is essential in countering the decline in resilience.
Institutional resilience depends on providing predictability and a sense of safety in the workplace, fostering collaboration and support.
Deep dives
Building Resilience in Employees
Building resilience in employees is crucial in today's socio-economic climate, where people are becoming less resilient and more likely to quit their jobs. The causes of this lack of resilience are multifaceted, but one contributing factor could be the shift towards an easier and more comfortable lifestyle. However, recent events like the pandemic and social justice movements have further accelerated this decline in resilience. To counter this trend, it is essential to focus on educating individuals about resilience and providing them with skills to develop it. Harvard University's popular resilience class is an example of proactive efforts to build resilience in individuals. Additionally, in the workplace, leaders can prioritize resilience by ensuring open communication, providing proper training, and creating a sense of purpose and confidence in employees.
The Importance of Predictability and Feeling Safe
Institutional resilience depends on providing predictability and a sense of safety in the workplace. Predictability allows individuals to feel secure and confident in their actions, knowing what to expect. On the other hand, unpredictable environments can lead to stress and decreased resilience. Feeling safe is not just about physical safety but also encompasses trust, cooperation, and support from leaders. Leaders can foster a collaborative environment where all individuals feel valued and supported in order to build institutional resilience.
The Role of Hardship and Stress Inoculation
Hardship and stress play a vital role in building resilience. By intentionally seeking out and embracing challenging situations, individuals can develop the mental and physical fortitude needed to handle stress. Engaging in activities like exercise, fasting, and exposure to discomfort can build resilience at both a psychological and physiological level. Institutions can also promote resilience by providing training that gradually exposes individuals to stressful situations, allowing them to adapt and develop the necessary resilience to cope effectively.
Leadership's Role in Building Resilience
Leaders play a critical role in building resilience within their organizations. They must emphasize the purpose and passion behind their profession, consistently communicate the challenges their organization may face, and ensure that the training and resources provided align with those challenges. Additionally, leaders should focus on creating a collaborative and inclusive environment where individuals feel safe, valued, and supported. By fostering open communication, leaders can strengthen trust and cooperation, key elements for building resilience in individuals and institutions.
My guest today is Chief John Perez. John recently retired as the Chief of Police for the Pasadena California Police Department. In his nearly 37 years of service to Pasadena, John served at literally all ranks in the department. During his career John worked patrol, narcotics, counter terrorism, and as a swat sergeant, lieutenant, and commander, John helped to form the first generation of Pasadena’s tactical team which had the challenge of deploying as a full-time gang enforcement team and a SWAT team for many years. John was twice awarded the Chief’s medal of excellence and received several commendations for his service over the years.
Books Recommended
12 Rules for Life: An Antidote for Chaos – Jordan Peterson – ISBN 0345816021
Discover Your True North – Bill George – ISBN 0787987514
Extreme Ownership: Jocko Willink and Leif Babin –ISBN-13: 9781250183866
Man’s Search for Meaning – Viktor Frankl - ISBN 080701429X
Quiet Strength: The Principles, Practices, and Priorities of a Winning Life – Tony Dungy – ISBN 1414318022
