Leadership and Guard Mount

Remember Hill Street Blues and Sarge finishing the pre-shift briefing with "You all be careful out there?" Maybe I am just showing my age. ?For any cop working a shift, pre-shift briefings like this represented the standard beginning of our duty – Guard Mount.?

Guard mount served as the official beginning of every cop's day.? You retrieved your weapon, got your gear in order, and then gathered into formation.? Our leader ensured that everyone was ready for their shift.? This included an inspection, post assignments, advisories, updates, and on-the-spot training.? The leader then released the group once everyone proved ready to meet the demands of today's tasks.??

Granted, this is not just a cop activity.? Several careers need to have some preparation or meeting before starting the work day.? Pilots don't just jump in the plane and take off.?? Medical teams do a changeover before coming on shift.? Turnover is a vital part of many jobs.

How do you start your day as a leader for your team?? For many, it may be a cup of coffee and looking at the calendar before jumping into a busy schedule.? It took me a minute to realize that everyone didn't show up 30 minutes before their official duty began.? I found it odd that people started their day by attending work to pick up where things left off the previous work day.

Do you take time to organize the team for the day's events?

Since my early days, I always appreciated a leader who engaged in some huddle before starting the day.? Some of my most impressive Joint Chiefs, Kunsan, and Air Staff leaders would huddle with critical staff before jumping into the day.?? Each ensured their team launched from the same foundation with a clear focus on tackling the most essential efforts for that day.?

As a leader, I found that my team worked more effectively when we took a few moments to huddle before the rush of the day.? I compare it to the quarterback, who huddles before each play.? It offered time to pause or take a knee.? Further, I found that the more critical the day's events, the more important it is to take time to huddle first.

If you operate in the same manner, kudos to you.??

If you don't and feel like the day overwhelms you from the start, or the team is confused about who is doing what, I recommend you incorporate a huddle of your own. ?A huddle can be an effective manner where you to set the conditions for a successful day.

When possible, I recommend you make time with the following considerations:?

Use it to focus your close team.? A huddle is not a formal staff meeting.? It is most effective with a close circle of critical staff members.? As a group commander, this included my front office staff and group leadership.? I have been on teams that bring an extensive array of people, mimicking the weekly staff meeting.? Further, post-COVID online meetings opened a unique ability to include diverse "sideline" players to "listen" to the huddle.? A leader must ensure the proper utilization of resources and personnel to control the audience.? Do you have a defensive linebacker in your offensive huddle?

Keep it focused.? Be mindful of rabbit trails or more complex discussions, taking a huddle off track.? I reminded myself that we were calling the play for the day.? I focused weekly staff meetings on addressing long-term actions, like a football game or season.? Take only the time needed to address the tasks for that day -- or until you huddle again.? Some hurdles took a few minutes – some longer.?

Deconflict the schedule.?? If you lead a large or complex organization, this is an opportune time to deconflict the schedule and tasks among your key leaders.? Often, the leader or deputy (including other key leaders) can maximize efficiency by dividing and conquering.? Do all need to attend the same meeting or event?? Seek the best effectiveness for your team.? As a deputy, I sought to free up my leader when and where possible, keeping them flexible and in the loop with follow-up discussions.? As the leader, I wanted to control our environment to the best extent possible.

Huddles are a good time for keeping your team social and family-oriented.? I kept them light and open and found them an excellent time for on-the-spot recognition. ?Mine were also less formal and usually gathered in the main office area.? The bottom line is that you can craft your huddles to keep everyone sharp and focused in a manner that best suits the team.?? Just remember, y'all be careful out there.???