The Prison Officer Podcast 115: From Rookie to Rank - Interview w/Matthew Hyde
Leadership in corrections doesn't come from a badge or title—it emerges from integrity, trust, and the willingness to shield your team during difficult times. Matthew Hyde, leadership strategist and author of "From Rookie to Rank," shares his remarkable journey from new correctional officer to CERT Commander without formal rank.
Matthew's story begins with an unexpected path into corrections after brief experiences in college and the National Guard. Within six months of starting at a county jail, he was selected as a Field Training Officer, discovering his natural talent for developing others. The conversation takes a fascinating turn when Matthew discusses becoming the first non-ranking CERT Commander in his department's 25-year history. Rather than attempting to assert dominance over higher-ranking team members, he built trust by acknowledging their experience and seeking their input. "I established that when you walk into the CERT locker room, there is no rank—we're just positions," he explains, detailing how this approach eventually earned him respect across generational divides.
Perhaps most valuable are Matthew's insights on leading through organizational challenges. He candidly shares his experience protecting his team during difficult administrations, emphasizing that when leadership falters from above, frontline supervisors must continue shielding their staff. "You still got to lead. Your people depend on you," he insists, offering practical wisdom for navigating politics while maintaining operational excellence.
Whether you're aspiring to move up the ranks or seeking to improve your leadership effectiveness where you stand, this conversation delivers actionable strategies for building high-performance correctional teams. Matthew's journey demonstrates that in the challenging world of corrections, the most powerful leadership comes not from authorit
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