October 2001 Volume 82 Number 10
"serving the protectors"
| October 2001 Volume 82 Number 10 "serving the protectors" |
|
ChaplaincyMorale |
|
| By David Marr |
Sound leadership has always been synonymous with high morale. Good leaders among people of action have always been esteemed - whatever the era. History is filled with stories of achievement as an outcome of positive leadership and decisive action.
While leadership qualities might be hereditary, positions of leadership must be attained or earned. In Georgian times, those aspiring to leadership sought appointment to officer rank as soon as possible. During times of war, promotion could result from distinguished conduct under fire, as well as through influence. Influence was paramount during times of peace. Ultimately, people in leadership positions were required to lead and apply their skills in the field. Success and achievement of goals was largely dependent upon the co-operation of those being led.
Not all capable leaders are successful leaders. Sound leadership is closely connected to those being led. Though small of stature compared with his modern counterpart, Horatio Nelson was a leader respected by peers and foes alike. Many have projected and debated reasons for his success, citing strong determination, fervent commitment and aspects of his personality.
However valid these arguments might be, the significant reason for his successes may be best understood from Nelson’s attitude. He was never aloof from the detailed running of his command, was always conscious of the health and comfort of his men, and encouraged activities which sustained their morale. The result was his crews were always in good heart, though they had no more amenities than those of other ships of the line. He was known to reject the command of larger vessels rather than separate from the crew with whom he had been through so much.
Though he experienced physical restriction due to his battle injuries, Nelson could not tolerate inactivity, and his written output was enormous. He knew about maximizing resources, too. While blockading in the Mediterranean, the Royal Navy was denuded of resources to an extent it had not known for decades. The measure of his success was that, after nearly two years of unremitting blockade in all weather conditions, he led his crew 4,000 miles on a chase to Central America without stepping off the boat. His leadership skills enabled him to maintain the respect and confidence of his subordinates and crew at levels of efficiency that astounded his peers. Even today, no large force could be expected to keep efficient for such a stretch.
Such morale can only be achieved while workers feel valued, are supported and encouraged, and believe what they are doing is worthwhile and meaningful. This is just the point at which some who could become considerable leaders miss the mark.
Jesus invited people of his time to “follow him”. Some were capable and some weren’t. Through connection, challenge, encouragement and support, he turned a disjointed pack into an effective functional unit. Jesus could concur with Nelson’s dying words: “God be praised, I have done my duty.” Their leadership success is seen in the results attained, the respect in which they are held and their relationship with those they led.
SA Police Chaplains
Welfare Section 58 David Marr 8364 3567 Senior Police Chaplain. Academy 8 Brenton Daulby 8272 8324 Adelaide: Angas Street 158 Bruce Grindlay 8295 2220 Adelaide: Hindley Street 62 Bruce Grindlay 8295 2220 Adelaide Hills Division 54 Adrian Stephens 8398 2510 Office: 8398 2517 Ceduna 214 Sybil Peacock 8625 3505 Christies Beach 20 Peter Coote 8381 3039 0412 818 995 Clare 202 Michael Dutschke 8842 3681 Communications 172 David Hand 8376 5612 Elizabeth 52 Lindsay Mayes 8281 8088 Far North 210 John Folkman 8672 5011 Firearms/Records Dianna Bartlett 8337 8552 Gawler 52 Brian Tscharke 8522 2288 Glenelg 22 Malcolm Thomas 8377 0772 Henley Beach 18 Tim Kowald 8449 6868 Holden Hill 44 Rod Dyson 8365 1170 Kadina 71 Vacant Kingston 208 Mount Gambier 208 Brian Ashworth (w) 8723 1353 (h) 8725 2537 Murray Bridge 200 Malcolm Bottrill 8532 5536 Naracoorte 208 Bruce Cliff 8737 2457 0417 811 702 Norwood 60 Lynton Wade 8362 2227 0418 831 703 Nuriootpa 204 Andy Kowald 8562 1011 Port Adelaide 6 Jeff Oake 8341 5930 Port Pirie 206 Steve Ardill 8632 3977 Prosecution Services 176 Vacant Port Augusta PS 210 Mark Thomas 8642 2487 0401 671 850 Port Lincoln 214 Peter King 8682 3725 Riverland 212 Robin Zadow 8588 1540 Salisbury 53 Vacant South East Terry Natt 8571 1114 Sturt 12 Chris Beal 8278 9578 Ian Dempsey 8296 7292 Tea Tree Gully 48 Bob George 8395 9363 Thebarton Barracks 32 Joe Grealy 8338 3225 Transit Division Wayne Shepherd 8443 4895 Whyalla 218 Tony Redden 8649 3593
|
||||||||||
|
The Police Journal Online is an
official publication of the Police Association of South Australia and is
published monthly. Editors of kindred publications can seek permission from the Editor to re-publish any Police Journal Online article. Copyright 2001 The Police Association of South Australia sustance |