Importance of Constructive Dissension in Leadership

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Questions and Answers

What hindered the development of a strong management team in the organization?

A divided management environment (correct)

Fear in the community

Inability to reduce internecine wars

Lack of smart and talented managers

What did the author observe about the managers at Santa Ana PD?

They were smart, hard-working, and talented (correct)

They lacked the conviction to fight political game-playing

They were divided by camps and allegiances

They were ineffective in achieving results

What is the impact of politics and internecine wars on organizations?

They hinder the reduction of fear in the community

They prevent the development of a strong management team

They affect private entities more than public entities

They lead to wasted energy (correct)

What book did the author recently read?

Days of Fire: Bush and Cheney in the White House—Peter Baker, Knopf Doubleday Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a country facing quagmires in the Middle East?

Afghanistan Signup and view all the answers

What term does Mary Barra, the General Motors CEO, use to describe passionate yet respectful arguments for one position or the other?

Constructive dissension Signup and view all the answers

Who does the text mention as an example of a leader who managed the decision-making process well?

Abraham Lincoln Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a requirement for creating a healthy culture that encourages innovation and risk-taking?

Ignoring perceptions and losing your cool in meetings Signup and view all the answers

What is emphasized as the essence of leadership by example?

Setting the example even in the most difficult times Signup and view all the answers

What is the importance of giving lip service to the desire for constructive dissension?

It can destroy any potential for a collegial atmosphere Signup and view all the answers

How did Abraham Lincoln choose his cabinet members?

Based on their skills and abilities Signup and view all the answers

What was Abraham Lincoln known for in his leadership style?

Encouraging broad and vigorous discussions Signup and view all the answers

What did Donna Dubinsky think about Steve Jobs' proposed change to Apple's distribution model?

She thought it was a huge mistake Signup and view all the answers

What happened to Donna Dubinsky after she argued vehemently with Steve Jobs about the proposed change?

She was promoted to a senior position Signup and view all the answers

What does Kaarlgard believe about building organizational trust?

Building trust is important for leaders and managers Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important for leaders to listen to others before making decisions?

To unleash a spirit of innovation Signup and view all the answers

What does F. Scott Fitzgerald consider a test of a first-rate intelligence?

The ability to hold two opposed ideas in mind Signup and view all the answers

Why did Colin Powell challenge authority?

To warn against ill-timed or poorly planned actions Signup and view all the answers

What was Abraham Lincoln's approach to leadership?

He surrounded himself with smart and capable people. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason why compromise is often seen as a sign of weakness?

It creates a culture of fear. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of leadership in creating a workplace environment conducive to seeking and vetting ideas?

Leadership should encourage a culture of constructive debate. Signup and view all the answers

What is the importance of giving credit to others under your command?

It celebrates their contributions and encourages organizational courage. Signup and view all the answers

What did the Field Training Officer (FTO) write about the police officer trainee's performance evaluation?

The trainee lacked command presence and was reluctant to initiate field activity. Signup and view all the answers

What was the FTO's recommendation regarding the recruit's probation?

Pass the recruit's probation. Signup and view all the answers

Why was the author stunned by the FTO's evaluation of the recruit?

The recruit's probation had been passed. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason for terminating a recruit's probation?

Lack of necessary skills Signup and view all the answers

What does the text suggest about the consequences of not terminating a recruit during the probationary period?

It can haunt an agency for decades Signup and view all the answers

What did the investigation by the Office of Inspector General reveal about the probationary evaluation process?

Significant deficiencies Signup and view all the answers

What does the text suggest about the termination of someone's employment?

It is not simple Signup and view all the answers

What was the sergeant's opinion about the recruit's potential?

The recruit had potential and could be worked with Signup and view all the answers

What was the main concern expressed by the author regarding the recruit passing probation?

The recruit would not be able to control situations Signup and view all the answers

What does the probationary period in police work help determine about recruits?

Their aptitude and determination to become a good officer Signup and view all the answers

What does the author believe about a person's past performance during the probationary period?

It is always indicative of their future performance Signup and view all the answers

What did the author consider when making decisions about ending careers?

The opinions of others Signup and view all the answers

What was the main reason for the author's decision to terminate the recruit?

Lack of command presence Signup and view all the answers

What did the author do after terminating the recruit?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What did the author learn from the experience of terminating the recruit?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of a complaint?

An allegation of misconduct or conduct that if true may be a violation of law, Division Rule of Conduct, or Division policy Signup and view all the answers

What action should Division personnel take if they observe misconduct of a criminal nature?

They should immediately take appropriate action Signup and view all the answers

What is the standard of proof used in investigations?

A preponderance of evidence Signup and view all the answers

According to General Order 3.10, what should the involved officer do if the charges will not be filed by the Division and they intend to proceed independently through the Prosecutor's Office?

Notify their chain of command and the Legal Advisor's Office of their decision Signup and view all the answers

Who is responsible for investigating citizen complaints?

Internal Affairs Sergeant Signup and view all the answers

How many calendar days does a personnel have to file a letter of appeal if they are appealing the complaint disposition?

14 Signup and view all the answers

When will internal investigations be conducted by supervisors?

When a chain of command investigation is not sufficient Signup and view all the answers

What should the chief do if there is probable cause to believe the offense of knowingly filing a false complaint has occurred?

Consult with the Legal Advisor and determine if the charge should be filed by the investigating supervisor Signup and view all the answers

What types of investigations will supervisors conduct with other agencies?

Administrative investigations Signup and view all the answers

What is the Division's approach to corrective action for substantiated complaints?

Corrective action will be taken for all substantiated complaints Signup and view all the answers

What should be done if an investigation appears to be unnecessary?

Forward an explanation and recommendation to cancel the complaint Signup and view all the answers

Who should receive a copy of a formal complaint of a non-criminal nature?

Both the involved employee's sergeant and the involved employee Signup and view all the answers

What should be done if the complainant refuses to cooperate or cannot be located?

Move forward with the investigation with available information Signup and view all the answers

When should the investigator notify the Chief of Police?

If the investigation will not be completed within the established timelines Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of the 'Exonerated' category?

The alleged conduct did occur but involved the proper and nondiscretionary use of an approved Division policy or procedure Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the Internal Affairs Sergeant in handling complaints?

Forward all disciplinary forms associated with the package to the employees personnel file Signup and view all the answers

What should Division Personnel do if they have a complaint against a supervisor in their chain of command?

Use the grievance process in the applicable labor contract Signup and view all the answers

What should be included in the complaint package to have the complaint withdrawn?

The signature of the complainant indicating a desire to have the complaint withdrawn Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The Importance of Constructive Dissension in Leadership

The author reflects on how politics and internal conflicts hindered the development of a strong management team in their organization.
They believe that a more unified and open management environment, valuing criticism and honest input, could have led to even better results.
The author discusses how political game-playing is a universal issue that affects both private and public entities.
They highlight the book "Days of Fire" which reveals internal power struggles and decision-making processes in the White House during the Bush and Cheney years.
The author points out that key players harbored doubts about decisions on Iraq but failed to voice their concerns, possibly due to fear or political pressure.
The author believes that this inaction contributed to the ill-fated invasion of Iraq and subsequent conflicts in the Middle East.
They encourage readers to reflect on times when they remained silent in the face of decisions they disagreed with, and the internal strife it caused.
The author discusses how the culture of an organization determines how members and managers interact when debating policy decisions.
They argue that a culture that encourages constructive dissension, where passionate yet respectful arguments are made regardless of politics or rank, is what most supervisors and managers desire.
The author mentions Abraham Lincoln's cabinet as an example of effective decision-making through vigorous and respectful debate.
They cite the case of Donna Dubinsky, a middle manager at Apple, who passionately argued against Steve Jobs' proposed distribution model change but was still promoted.
The author emphasizes the importance of leaders being open to new ideas and welcoming differing opinions, even if they hold strong beliefs themselves.

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Description

Explore the significance of promoting constructive dissension in leadership roles, as discussed in various real-life examples and scenarios. Learn about the impact of political game-playing and internal conflicts on decision-making processes, and how fostering an environment of open dialogue and honest feedback can lead to better outcomes in organizations.