Taking Risks
She is in her twenties and possesses a wisdom that belies her age. We were visiting recently and she made a statement that caused me to step back and ponder. She said, “It makes a difference, the people who show up when you really need them.” It is easy to show up when there is no misunderstanding, no hurt, no anger, no conflict. In other words, when there is no risk.
Just take a minute to consider how people flock to those who are flying high with everything going their way. Many people are much more interested in pursuing their own agenda and self-gain than investing in someone who is struggling. Authentic care for others appears to be in short supply these days. It takes strength and determination to stand with those who cannot.
It is risky to stand with a person who is in need. It can get dirty, messy and unsafe. There are no guarantees of success…unless you define success as being there for someone who needs a friend, an advocate or simply a kind face. There is a plethora of “selfish,” “what’s in it for me,” “I want to dominate you” type of attitudes in our society. This kind of person has no courage and no character.
Thank you, Haiden, for speaking truth to all of us. When we choose to show up for someone who really needs us, we will make a difference.
Dr. Larry Little
Eagle Center for Leadership
Taking risks is a key part of policing. Every day, officers and staff make decisions that require confidence, sound judgment, and a willingness to step into the unknown. Risk-taking is not about acting recklessly. It is about recognizing when action is needed, even when the outcome is uncertain.
At DPD, taking risks means speaking up when something is wrong, trying new approaches to solve problems, and stepping into leadership when the moment calls for it. The best officers and staff do not wait for perfect conditions. They take smart, calculated risks that help the department grow, improve, and better serve the community.
A department that encourages thoughtful risk-taking builds stronger leaders, creates better problem solvers, and ensures that officers and staff feel confident in their ability to make a difference. This module will explore how to create a culture where courage is the norm, how to take smart risks with strategy and purpose, why asking the right questions leads to better decisions, and how a strong support system gives officers and staff the confidence to act.
Let’s get started. The best decisions are made by those willing to take action, so let’s take that next step together.
“It often requires more courage to dare to do right than to fear to do wrong.”
Taking Risks: Module Overview
Session One: Creating a Culture of Courage - Officers and staff make better decisions when they feel supported in taking action. This session explored how trust, accountability, and open communication create a culture where individuals feel empowered to speak up, challenge assumptions, and take initiative.
Session Two: Strategic Courage - Smart risk-taking is about balancing confidence with sound judgment. This session covered different risk-taking styles, how to assess risks effectively, and why stepping outside of a comfort zone with purpose leads to progress.
Session Three: The Power of Asking Questions - Asking the right questions leads to better decisions, stronger leadership, and meaningful change. This session highlighted how thoughtful inquiry challenges outdated thinking, builds trust, and creates opportunities for growth.
Session Four: Strength in Support - Risk-taking is easier when officers and staff feel valued and heard. This session focused on psychological safety, open communication, and teamwork, reinforcing how a strong support system builds confidence and drives success.
