Do You Fill Your Leadership Space? A cognitive model of leadership development for the police service

Abstract

In common with other public sector bodies, the police service recognises that the development of leadership capability amongst its workforce is key to improving levels of both performance and service delivery. The recently developed Police Leadership Qualities Framework lays out a clearly defined model of leadership, and is underpinned by a framework of values and behaviours that enable that model to be developed in practice. This paper expands on one of the key underlying principles of the model that leadership is evident at all ranks and grades of the service, and is a skill that can be developed. This article postulates that each individual has their own ‘leadership space’ which it is important they are able to fill effectively. Individual and organisational failings often occur when this ‘space’ is not properly filled ‐ through lack of skill, development opportunity or experience. The paper considers a cognitive and behaviourist approach to learning and explores some of the ways in which leadership capability is developed in the police service.

Citation

Martyn, H. and Scurr, R. (2007), "Do You Fill Your Leadership Space? A cognitive model of leadership development for the police service", International Journal of Leadership in Public Services, Vol. 3 No. 3, pp. 29-41. https://doi.org/10.1108/17479886200700019