The Leadership Secret That Will Transform Your Law Enforcement Career

Your leadership reputation isn’t what you say it is—it’s what others say about you when you’re not in the room.

In this episode of Elevate Your Call to Service, Mike and Cathy McIntosh uncover the often-overlooked concept of building your leadership reputation and why it’s critical for law enforcement leaders.  

They explore two extremes of leadership—ruling by fear versus empowering your team—and offer actionable advice for creating a leadership reputation that opens doors, inspires others, and leaves a lasting legacy. Along the way, they share personal stories, real-life examples, and practical steps to help you take control of your leadership journey.  

This episode is packed with insights for law enforcement leaders at every stage of their career who want to build trust, strengthen their leadership style, and ensure their reputation works for them—not against them.  

Key Themes for Law Enforcement Leaders:

1. Understanding Your Leadership Reputation:  

   - Your leadership brand is shaped by what others say about you, not what you think of yourself.  

   - Why self-awareness is critical to understanding how you’re perceived as a leader.  

2. The Two Leadership Extremes:  

   - The stark difference between leading by fear (intimidation) and leading through empowerment.  

   - Why empowered leadership builds trust, stronger teams, and long-term organizational success.  

3. Lessons from Real-Life Leadership:  

   - How Mike’s personal story of “becoming the competition” shifted his leadership brand and advanced his career and how your leadership reputation will impact your goals for promotion.

   - Examples of positive and negative leadership styles and their lasting impact.  

4. Building Your Leadership Brand:  

   - Why being intentional about how you want to be known as a leader matters.  

   - The importance of visibility, consistency, and showing up with purpose.  

5. Rebuilding a Negative Reputation:  

   - How to start fresh when your leadership brand is working against you.  

   - The power of vulnerability, trust-building, and accountability in repairing your reputation.  

6. Practical Steps for Law Enforcement Leaders:  

   - Strategies to make your leadership reputation known at all levels of your agency.  

   - Why feedback from peers, subordinates, and supervisors is essential for growth.  

Quotable Insights from Episode 26:

"Your leadership reputation isn’t what you say it is—it’s what others say about you when you’re not in the room."  

"Transforming your leadership brand starts with self-awareness—what do you want to be known for, and are your actions aligning with that vision?"*  

"Leading by fear might get results in the short term, but empowered leadership builds trust and leaves a lasting legacy."

"If you want to advance your career, make yourself the competition. Show people that you’re the obvious choice for the next role."

"Rebuilding a negative leadership reputation takes vulnerability, accountability, and a willingness to ask for help—but it’s not impossible."

If you’re ready to take control of your leadership reputation and build a lasting legacy, we invite you to schedule a free strategy meeting to learn more about our coaching program. 

Be sure to grab your free guide: 10 Questions to Consider Before Putting In For Your Next Promotion.