How law enforcement leaders master communication—and win
Strong law enforcement teams win with clarity, not chaos.
The difference? Communication that unites, not divides.
When briefings confuse officers or teams feel unheard, more memos won’t fix it—clear communication will.
In this episode of Elevate Your Call to Service, Mike and Cathy McIntosh dive into the hidden costs of poor communication, revealing why it’s the backbone of effective leadership in law enforcement. Drawing from real-world experience—like a SWAT sergeant’s calm radio command in chaos and Sully’s life-saving clarity on the Hudson—they unpack how communication breakdowns erode trust, morale, and even safety.
This episode is a must-listen for law enforcement leaders ready to stop misfires, build stronger teams, and lead with precision. Whether you’re a sergeant, lieutenant, or chief, you’ll walk away with practical strategies to sharpen your message, listen smarter, and elevate your agency.
Key Themes for Law Enforcement Leaders:
The High Cost of Miscommunication
Why “I told you so” isn’t enough—and how it fractures teams and trust.
The life-or-death stakes when clarity fails, from shift briefings to critical incidents.
Communication as Leadership’s Foundation
How clear messaging inspires action and prevents frustration.
Assuming it “comes naturally” is a trap every leader must avoid.
Strategies for Crystal-Clear Command
Think before you speak: Deliver concise, intentional messages that stick.
Read the room: Spot confusion and adapt without pointing fingers.
Repeat it back: A simple trick to ensure everyone’s on the same page.
Building Teams That Hear and Act
How active listening—like a daughter-in-law’s kitchen pause—models respect and focus.
Why demanding attention in briefings sets the tone for success, not ego.
Lessons from the Field
A SWAT call-out: How a sergeant’s calm voice turned chaos into control.
Sully’s Hudson miracle: A masterclass in communication under pressure.
Practical ways to ditch “word vomit” and lead with clarity, no matter the stakes.
Quotable Insights from Episode 29:
Communication isn’t just delivering a message—it’s ensuring it’s understood.
If they leave the briefing muddled, you’ve already lost the day.
Good communicators don’t multitask—they connect.
Clarity in chaos is leadership at its best—practice it daily.
You’re not just the messenger; you’re half the solution.
If you’re ready to master communication and build a legacy of trust and teamwork, schedule a free strategy meeting to explore our coaching program.
Be sure to grab your free guide: 10 Questions to Consider Before Putting In For Your Next Promotion.
